Hello Friends and Family,

We are back again! 2012 will mark our fifth consecutive Boston Marathon running for Joey’s Team and the wonderful program at Mass General Hospital (The Lurie Center). Over the past five years, we have raised over $60,000 for children and families impacted by Autism.

We ask you again to help us continue to provide much needed services for children like Joey who are impacted by Autism.

Joey turned six in December and continues to be our hero. While he is still non-verbal, his ability to enjoy life and his family has not been compromised. Joey is working hard every day to get better- this past Holliday season we were blessed enough to hear some use of the words “ma ma” and “da da”(only when he gets a piggy back, or is mad). He spent most of the summer swimming and even played some baseball this spring for the in District 15 Challenger League.

Your contribution to The Lurie Center/LADDERS will allow the program to continue its generous efforts for families impacted by Autism and will help the program to continue its day-to-day practices and provide ongoing research and development efforts. Because of today’s high costs of practicing medicine, they lose over $100 for every child they see. A comprehensive evaluation for one child without health insurance costs LADDERS over $1,000. Without our help, the program would not be able to provide these services to families in need.

Please help us raise money for Autism and all of Joey’s friends at The Lurie Center.

Our family is very proud to be surrounded by such supportive friends, family, and the extended network of friends Joey has developed.

Thank you for your continued support!


-Joey, Nick, Troy, Melissa and Mike Freni
EJ Freni, Rob Freni