Ashley Rose Parry

In May of 2006, Dawn and Bill Parry were anticipating the birth of their third daughter, who would be named Ashley Rose. What should have been one of the happiest times of their lives turned into a very tragic one. There were multiple complications surrounding Ashley’s birth, and both she and Dawn almost lost their lives. Thankfully they both survived and Dawn has made a fully recovery.

Due to oxygen deprivation during her birth, Ashley has severe Cerebral Palsy. Because of it, she is seriously handicapped with many medical conditions. She is partially deaf and blind. She has no gag reflex and because of that, will never be able to eat or drink on her own and must be fed by a feeding tube that is inserted directly into her stomach.

Ashley will never walk and play like other children, and has had to have surgery to correct a hip dislocation and will most likely need additional surgeries. She suffers from multiple seizures every day.

The amount of medication that Ashley needs to take on a daily basis is substantial. She needs 24 hour supervision and the family has a nurse that comes to their home to help with her care. Ashley also requires specialized medical equipment, which includes a car seat specifically designed for her, a wheel chair, a “pump” and related apparatus for her feedings, a nebulizer, and more. In the future, it is likely that the Parry’s home will have to be remodeled, so that it better suits Ashley’s needs as she gets older and bigger. They will almost definitely need to purchase a vehicle equipped for a handicapped person.

ASHLEY AND HER BIG SISTERS

The Gloucester Township Boys Basketball League’s Hoop Dreams Charity Fund has donated $500.00 to the Parry family. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Tiffany Kennedy at

(609) 894-0394 or (609) 868-5311.

Click here to find out about the

The 1^st Annual Ashley Rose Parry Benefit

The Foster Family

The Gloucester Township Boys Basketball League recently held a fund-raiser through the organization’s Hoop Dreams Charity Fund to benefit the family of GTBBL coach Mike Foster who recently passed away.

A presentation took place at the Gloucester Township Court Room during the league’s General monthly Meeting. In attendance for the presentation were Mike's wife Catherine Foster, her three children, and Catherine’s sister and brother-in-law.

Through the generosity of the membership of the organization, the GTBBL Board of Directors presented the Foster family with a check for $2,000.00 in memory of Mike. In addition, Mike and Catherine’s children received Christmas gifts from the league.

We would like to thank the members of our Coaching Staff, Booster Club, Board of Directors, parents, and players for their outpouring of support for the Foster Family.

Travis Wahl

Welcome Travis Wahl, and his family to the GTBBL Hoop Dreams family.

Travis is four years old and suffers from IGA Deficiency Reflux. He also suffers Asthma and a heart condition. He has had Pneumonia ten times since he was born.

In addition to Travis's medical condition, Mom and Dad recently had to deal with another problem which also effected the entire family. The oil tank in their home ruptured leaving them without heat. Without the extra money to replace the oil tank they have been relying on three electric heaters in an attempt to keep their home warm until they could come up with the money to repair it. During this time one of space heaters caught fire.

Upon hearing of the Wahl family's situation the GTBBL responded quickly to the family in their time of need.

Through the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity Fund a contractor was hired to remove and replace the families oil tank. Our best wishes go out to Travis and his family.

Timmy Horgan

Timmy Horgan is 15 years old and is a Sophomore attending Timber Creek High School. Timmy was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was 4 years old. Although his affliction is described as a muscular wasting disease it did not deter Timmy from his desire to become involved with school activities. Timmy could be found on the sidelines, keeping score of all the boys and girls soccer games during the Fall. Timmy is an avid sports fan with Hockey as his favorite sport and the Flyers on record as his favorite team. Although Timmy's enthusiasm and personality for life are infectious. The license plate on his wheel chair reads 2 FAST 4U, which says it all. Last years he was nominated for the school's Peoples Choice award and was also honored at Timber Creek's Sports Banquet. Timmy will be the guest of honor at the GTBBL's Comedy Tonight Fund raiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation of NJ. We are proud to add Timmy as one of our Hoop Dreams Kids.

Scott West

Scott West is 13 years old was out riding his bike after school in Erial NJ with three of his friends. There was nothing unusual about friends out enjoying the day riding their bikes together and having fun, but there was nothing usual for Scott on this particular day. The four bikers were riding without their helmets when they came to a heavily traveled highway. The first of the four bikers made it across. Scott, being the second, made it to the middle and was struck by an automobile. Scott was rushed to Cooper Hospital by ambulance where he received 13 stitches on his face. He also was treated for bruises and scratches all over his body. He was very fortunate. While recovering from his injuries Scotts major concern seemed to be the loss of his bike. Scott plays in the GTBBL on one of the teams in the league's Junior Division. Upon hearing Scott's story the league's Hoop Dreams Charity presented Scott with a new bike with the condition that he would never ride again without his helmet. Lesson Learned!

Matthew Rodriguez

Hi, my name is Matthew Rodriguez. My Birthday is October 4th, 2001. I am 6 years old and I live with my Nana, Pop Pop, Daddy and my big brother Marc-Anthony who is 8 years old.

I spent my first month in the N.I.C. Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. People see me as having Downs Syndrome, but my family say I have Up Syndrome because no matter what I always have a smile.

I attended Vorhees Pediatric Medical Daycare until September 2004. I started going to St. John of God School, but I missed a lot of school because I spent a lot of time in Cooper hospital. My doctors are hoping this year will be better and they say I am getting stronger. I like to watch Sponge Bob with my brother.

Thanks to Mr. Rich and his group we can play in our new sandbox. Although Matthew cannot walk or speak his wonderful personality shines through his infectious smile.

The GTBBL was contacted through the Gloucester Township Schools Social Services by Matthew's grandparents for assistance in obtaining a sand box for Matthew to be use as a strength activity. The GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity Fund provided funds and construction of a 6 ft octagonal pre fabricated sand box for Matthew's use.

A Family Affair
Through the generosity of the members of the GTBBL Coaching Staff, Board Members, Booster Club, Parents, Friends and Sponsors of the league, the Gloucester Township Boys Basketball League has reached out to a family in need here in Gloucester Township.

Through the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity Fund the GTBBL has donated $1000.00 to support a truly remarkable family in their time of need.

With respect for the families wishes for privacy they shall remain nameless although they are known by many throughout our community.

We can say that both parents were undergoing treatment for cancer and are an inspiration to everyone that has come to know them through their strength and courage and their two wonderful sons. Dad has recently passed away. Our prayers and best wishes are with this remarkable family.

Michael Morgan

Michael Morgan is 14 years old and is a 10th grade student at Triton High School. Michael's philosophy is simple. Take each day as it comes and enjoy every minute of it.

Make no mistake about it, he is a warrior in the true sense of the word. Michael's battle began on February 14,2002 when he was diagnosed with Desmoplastic, a small blue cell tumor. Since then Michael has endured many hospitalizations and nearly 2 years of Chemotherapy and that is why he is a Warrior.

In spite of it all, Michael maintains a happy go-lucky attitude and his infectious personality and attitude has a positive effect on everyone around him. Michael has developed two great passions. One is playing
basketball in the Gloucester Township Boys
Basketball League with his teammates on the
Knicks. The other is playing the keyboard.

Michael's one Christmas wish was for a
computer. Well, his wish came true early
this year. Through the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity, Michael's computer was delivered to
his door by the GTBBL on December 21.

We thank him for allowing us to be a part of
his growing fan base and welcome him as one
of our Hoop Dreams Kids.

Chrissie Wilkins
3/10/89 - 8/22/09

CHRISSY'S RAMP UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

CHRISSY'S NEW HOOP DREAMS RAMP.

Chrissie was 20 years old and lived with her family in Gloucester Township. Her courageous story began 15 years ago. Chrissie suffered from Friedreich's Ataxia, a progressive neurological movement disorder as well as Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the cardiac muscle.

Although Chrissie was bedridden and could not speak she beamed with joy when anyone talked about her favorite subject Harry Potter. Through the good days and the bad ones her courage and spirit still shine. She is truly a remarkable young lady.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT JIM MASIANNO FROM HOME DEPOT, AND BUILDER RON POLAR RECEIVE A RECOGNITION AWARD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHRISSY'S RAMP FROM LEAGUE PRESIDENT RICH BRATTELLI.

Jasmine Fitzpatrik

Jasmine is 12 years old and lives with her family in Sicklerville where she is a student at Anne Mullen Middle School. Jasmine suffers
from MS and although she needs some assistance throughout her school day she is self motivated, enthusiastic, and an excellent
student.

Through the efforts of the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity Jasmine was provided with new wheels and a battery for her wheel chair. In addition a handicap ramp was constructed with the help of Len Moffa who generously volunteered his time to provide her with better access to her home.

We offer Jasmine our prayers and best wishes as she prepares to enter 6th
grade this year.

Michael Senk
12/12/91 - 5/5/04

Michael was 12 years old and a student at Chews Elementary School. Michael was diagnosed with Hepatic Encephalography at an early age, Inspite of a long and complex medical history Michael managed to stay active in his three favorite activities. He was a member of the Wings of Steel Sled hockey team, he played for Katie's Komets, a wheelchair basketball team, and was a member of Boy Scout Troop #89.

In memory of Michael his parents request that donations be made in Michael's name to the Wings of Steel Sled Hockey Team, 59 Lincoln Avenue, Clementon NJ 08021.

A donation has been made by the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity in Michaels name.

Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with Michael and his family.
He will always be one of
our Hoop Dreams Kids.

Amy Keller

Amy is 12 years old and is a sixth grade student at Chews Elementary School. Amy was diagnosed at birth with Cerebral Palsy and Retinopathy of prematurely.

Despite her medical problems Amy is an enthusiastic and fiercely independent and asks for minimal assistance. She has a very warm an outgoing personality.

The GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity will help in the funding for an access ramp for Amy's house. As soon as plans are completed the GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity will provide financial assistance for the construction of this project.

The GTBBL is currently funding additional Therapy sessions that help to improve and strengthen Amy's muscle strength and flexability.

Stephanie Stellato

Stephanie is 11 years old and is in second
grade and is currently a student attending
a Multiple Disabilities classroom at the Bankbridge School.

Stephanie suffers from Retinitis
Pigmentosa which results in severe visual
limitations. Stephanie also Ataxia, which
causes her to have an unsteady gate.
Stephanie's disabilities give the impression
of a child with Cerebral Palsy.

Stephanie has a one-to-one aide to assist with all mobility for safety throughout the school year. She also must wear a padded helmet to protect her from frequent falls. Stephanie also experiences severe speech delays.

STEPHANIE RIDING HER FAVORITE HORSE SNICKERS.

Stephanie's parents are receiving financial assistance from Hoop Dreams to provide
therapeutic services from an organization called Shadow Equestrian. Shadow Equestrian provides therapeutic horseback riding which provides a form of physical exercise for disabled children. The hope is that this activity will help to strengthen Stephanies muscles and improve her posture.

Through this therapy Stephanie has already
shown remarkable improvement in her balance
and motor skills. Although Staphanie has
difficulty speaking it is easy to see that
Snickers is one of her very best friends.

STEPHANIE MAKES THE NEWS

The GTBBL Hoop Dreams Charity would like to thank those individuals that have generously donated so much of their time, talent, services, and financial support that have helped to improve the quality of life of our Hoop Dreams Kids and their families.
On behalf of the Gloucester Township Boys Basketball League and the family and friends of these children we thank you.

If you would like to help our Hoop Dreams Kids contact our Hoop Dreams Charity on the GTBBL Hot Line at (856) 208-1367.

Together we can make
a difference!

We make their Hoop Dreams come true!