Brick PBA Running 5K To Help Dad Fighting Leukemia

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township family faced with significant medical bills has been chosen as the beneficiary of the third annual Allie's Army 5K, hosted by the Brick Township Police Department PBA 230.

The 5K is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Drum Point Sports Complex in Brick.

The race will raise funds to help the family of Dan LaBrutto, a 37-year-old Brick resident. who was recently diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia after experiencing numerous complications, the PBA said. Dan and his wife, Sara, are lifelong Brick residents and have three young children: Antonia (7), Vincenzo (5), and Viviana (4).

"This fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial and emotional burden on their family as Dan undergoes treatment," the PBA said.

It honors the memory of Allie Puccio, a Brick woman who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2023 and lost her battle in January 2024. The first Allie's Army 5K helped with the financial stress of her illness.

"Allie was a bright light, an incredible athlete, talented stylist, caring friend, lover of all animals and beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, godmother to her two nephews, cousin and friend. She was known for her luminous smile and a sense of humor that was second to none," the PBA said.

"No one should ever fight alone, and as Allie's Army showed up for her and her family, we will continue to show up for others fighting their battle," the group said.

The race is $50 per runner and runners can register online ahead of time. There also is a 2.5K fun run/walk scheduled.

Bib pickup and on-site registration for the race begin at 9 a.m. at the Brick PAL building at 60 Drum Point Road, across the street from Drum Point Elementary School and the sports complex.

The race and the fun run begin at 10 a.m.

The Brick PAL also will host the post-race gathering with food and drinks, the PBA said.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to to attend and cheer on participants from various viewing locations.