Frank DeBlasi ’95 Comes Home to Support Those In Need
Ballsfest is a non-profit organization founded by CBA alumnus Frank DeBlasi. At 29, DeBlasi was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He says what got him through such a tough time was the people around him and the support system of his family, friends, and medical team around him.
DeBlasi (left) talking to one of his “Ballers.” (credit: Eric Kessler)
Now, DeBlasi spends his time with his organization, Ballsfest, where he helps children battling different forms of cancer and supports his “Ballers” the same way his support system helped him when he was going through his fight. DeBlasi ’95 was one of the key players on a talented era of CBA basketball teams in the 1990s, along with present CBA head basketball coach Geoff Billet. DeBlasi and Billet won the 1995 state championship as teammates, which remains CBA’s last state title.
He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, but brought that Arizona weather with him with 90-degree temperatures on September 22nd, when he held his first Ballsfest event in New Jersey. The day took place in Holmdel at Bell Works, a large office building with a shopping center and work space. The event was held in the outside area of the building.
DeBlasi poses with more “Ballers” in attendance at Bell Works last Sunday. (credit: Eric Kessler)
The event had white chairs set up in front of a stage where he introduced his various “Ballers.” He went through all of their stories and journeys that they had been through in this very personal battle of theirs. DeBlasi said he was excited to come back and help people from the area where he grew up.
DeBlasi spends almost all of his time in Arizona and the Southwest and is very active out there. However, this event was evidence that he was drawn back to help out in place that helped make him who he is today.
With the support of his family and CBA, he had a successful trip back to New Jersey to help and support those who are fighting the battle that he won.
