Benefit Walk Saturday Remembers MTHS Student Who Died from Asthma

A benefit walk in memory of an accomplished cheerleader who died of an asthma attack last September will be held on Saturday.

Francesca "Frankie" Marie Previti was 14 years old when she collapsed while walking around the high school's track during physical education class. The efforts of school officials, police and paramedics were .

"Frankie's Walk," which will held at Winding River Park in Toms River, will raise money for the American Lung Association in New Jersey. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. About 90 participants are already signed up for the walk, according to the event website. 

Previti cheered three years for the Manchester Hawks Youth Football and Cheer, said the organization's cheer commissioner Tracey Phillips-Frazee. 

"She was part of our team that made it two years in a row to nationals," she said. "She was a beautiful girl. She was energetic, funny, smart and just a joy to be around."

According to the American Lung Association, over 1 million people in New Jersey are affected by asthma — over 255,000 of those are children. In the United States, about 22 million people are affected.

Diagnosing asthma in a child at an early age can lead to a "normal and healthy life," according to the association. 

"But, a child with undiagnosed asthma is at risk for many complications that can be debilitating and even life threatening," reads a statement by the association. 

Participants who raise at least $100 will receive a "Frankie's Walk" T-shirt, according to the association. 

For more information, contact Jackie Cascio of the American Lung Association by phone at 908-685-8040, ext. 309 or through email at jcascio@lunginfo.org.