After Nick passed, his brother, cousins, friends, and peers didn’t know how to process their emotions or what to do with their pain. There was a need to be in control.

Nick’s Round Table, a teen advisory group of the now dissolved Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation, was formed in 2010 by Stephen, Nick’s little brother, and those teens who wanted to give back.

Over the last thirteen years, they have donated hundreds of personalized Nick’s Comfort Bags and every newly diagnosed patient at The Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center receives a Family Hope Bag. They volunteer at fundraisers, send cards and seasonal gifts to patients, and raise awareness about childhood cancer.

Even though the foundation dissolved in 2021, Nick’s Round Table has continued under the leadership of dedicated teens and their amazing adult advisors: Danielle Maslowsky, Ann Frantti, Annette Romano, Meghan Murphy, Christian Donovan, and Brigid Corcoran-Jeffers.

According to Danielle, the teens read Nick’s Round Table Creed at the first and last meeting of the school year to remind them of why they are there.

Last night, these teens gave me a personalized card and beautiful burgundy mum to remember Nick’s birthday on October 7. The timing was perfect. Their thoughtfulness soothed my soul. Through their actions and philanthropy, I see that my boy’s spirit lives on.

His way of being---compassion, kindness, care, and laughter serve as a guide for all the teens who are currently involved and those who are out in the world.

That JOY and PRIDE in my son softens the sadness of missing him.

Thank you to Nick’s Round Table teens and the advisors who keep this impactful group running to help our childhood cancer community.

If your teen in grades 6th-12th is interested in getting involved, check out their Facebook page: Nick’s Round Table.