Achilles New Jersey

06/12/2026

Achilles New Jersey,
Princeton Chapter

“Every finish line starts with the courage to begin.”

Princeton University
Princeton University Press
Fleet Feet

Parkinson's Foundation

06/07/2026

MaryEllen Branna and Mitch Gottlieb thank you for leading the way 💪

Eric and Lori,
Thank you for making the Tenafly Dog 5K such an outstanding and inclusive event. Your commitment to ensuring that athletes with disabilities were welcomed, supported, and able to fully participate speaks volumes about your leadership and the values behind this race. 💛💛💛

Achilles New Jersey
Tenafly 5K Run
Leadership News

06/02/2026

Thank you, .parks, for this incredible honor on behalf of Achilles New Jersey! 💛

We are so grateful for your unwavering support and for helping make Katy's dream of a Rockland chapter become a reality. Your partnership, encouragement, and belief in our mission have been instrumental every step of the way.

A special thank you to Em, Michi, Remy, and Victor for all that you do for us! We are honored to celebrate alongside you and appreciate your commitment to building a more inclusive community through movement and connection.

Thank you again for this recognition and for being such valued members of the Achilles family. 🫶💖

.parks

05/28/2026

https://aftercarecremations.tributecenteronline.com/obituaries/Kenny-Franco?obId=48485123

View Kenny Franco's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/27/2026

Some people leave footprints on our hearts that no distance, time, or tears can ever erase. Kenny’s miles may be finished, but his spirit will run beside us forever.

Tonight, Achilles New Jersey Cranford hosted a run to remember Kenny. We shared stories,donuts, miles, and some tears in honor of our friend.

Achilles International

HERO
NorthJersey.com

05/25/2026

There is a price to freedom. This Memorial Day, Achilles New Jersey runs to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so we could live free. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and legacy with every step we take. 🇺🇸

Freedom United
A Day To Remember
NorthJersey.com
American Dream

05/24/2026

What an incredible and historic day in Capetown,SouthAfrica!

Achilles New Jersey and friends proudly ran the Cape Town Marathon, joining the very first group of 8 World Major Marathon finishers.

A special congratulations to Brandon the youngest and the first man living with autism, to achieve this extraordinary milestone. His determination, courage, and spirit continue to inspire us all.

We are beyond proud of every athlete, guide, family member, and supporter who made this journey possible. Inclusion has no limits.

Abbott World Marathon Majors
Achilles International

Autism Awareness by GreaterGood
Autism Speaks

05/23/2026

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to announce Achilles New Jersey family lost one of the great ones.

Kenny Franco Jr. was not only the Monmouth County chapter leader, he was a pioneer for inclusion and acceptance in our community.

Kenny was AchillesNJ’s first hand cyclist and the first hand cyclist to have a guide in the NYC Marathon. He helped pave the way for so many athletes who came after him, showing the world what was possible when barriers are removed and people are given the opportunity to belong.

But beyond his accomplishments, Kenny will be remembered for who he was, his incredible sense of humor, his love for his guides, his family, and his friends. He made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Simply put, everyone loved Kenny, including me. I am beyond words and absolutely devastated by this loss. Kenny touched countless lives, and his impact on AchillesNJ will never be forgotten. I will remember and miss him forever.
-Joe Sorbanelli, Achilles New Jersey Founder/Director

We love you forever Kenny 💛🙏💔

05/23/2026

It is with profound sadness that Achilles New Jersey mourns the passing of Kenny Franco Jr.

Kenny was a pioneer, a leader, and a beloved member of our Achilles family. As Achilles NJ’s first hand cyclist and the first hand cyclist to have a guide in the NYC Marathon, Kenny helped pave the way for greater acceptance, inclusion, and opportunity for athletes with disabilities. His determination and courage inspired countless people both within and beyond our community.

More than his accomplishments, Kenny will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, his love for his guides, family, and friends, and the joy he brought to those around him. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued.

Kenny was deeply loved by all of us, and his loss is heartbreaking. His legacy will continue to live on through every athlete he inspired and every barrier he helped break.

We will miss him forever. Rest in peace, Kenny.

Achilles International

HERO
Jersey Shore
New York Yankees