Brick Girl, 4, Fighting Leukemia With Allie's Army Running Beside Her

BRICK, NJ — Allie's Army will hit the road on Sunday to support the family of a Brick Township 4-year-old who is fighting leukemia.

The Allie's Army 5K Run and 2.5K Walk/Fun Run, hosted by Brick Township PBA Local 230, is set for the Drum Point Sports Complex, 42 Drum Point Road.

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The event, marking its fourth year, is a fundraiser for a Brick Township family in need. The 2026 event is raising funds to assist the family of Maddie Brunas.

Maddie was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Sept. 1, 2024, just one month before her second birthday, the PBA said.

"Her family was driving home from a vacation in the Outer Banks when she became very tired and pale. After stopping at the hospital for bloodwork, Maddie was taken by ambulance to Jersey Shore (University Medical Center), where her family learned she had leukemia," the PBA said.

Maddie started chemotherapy right away. She lost her hair twice but has responded well to treatment, the family told the PBA. She is scheduled to receive her last chemotherapy treatment on Friday, two days before the race, and has moved into the maintenance phase.

She continues to make regular trips to the hospital for lab work, antibiotics and other treatment, the PBA said.

"We are proud to support this family as they go through such a difficult time," the PBA said, including Maddie's parents and 5-year-old brother Mikey.

The Allie's Army 5K 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 Puccio was a strong, selfless, kind, loving wife, caring mother, daughter, sister, and friend," the PBA said. "The Brick Township PBA will continue to honor Allie's memory by hosting this event every year for a family in need."

Registration for the race is available until 9 a.m. Sunday. Check-in for the 5K run, along with the 2.5K walk and the fun run, begins at 9 a.m. at the Brick PAL building across Drum Point Road from the school and the complex.

Register to run at www.runsignup.com/brickpba.