Berkeley Heights Ninja To Battle For A Cure

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — The killer National Finals course last night may have taken American Ninja Warrior and Berkeley Heights native out of the competition but he is still fighting.

Fighting to battle breast cancer that is.

Anthony DeFranco was the fastest time of the night at NBC's obstacle course competition American Ninja Warrior Philadelphia Qualifier round. He then advanced to the Philly Finals where he was one of 15 to make to the National Finals in Vegas.

Unfortunately, DeFranco was taken out by the Jumping Spider obstacle on Monday night.

"Grateful to have gone through such an incredible experience with a strong support system behind me the whole way," DeFranco wrote on his Instagram page. "Also thanks to everyone supporting me through this journey. Coming for season 9!!"

Still fighting, DeFranco has teamed up with other Ninjas from the show to get involved in the fundraising event to benefit Ninja for a Cure and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The event, on Sept. 18, will start the day off with a kids camp, taught by Ninjas that concludes with a Stage 1 Fun Run. Later, the adults can show off their skills in a team competition with prizes awarded to the top 3 teams.

DeFranco will be competing with Ninjas' Greg Smith and Kelly Newcomb as a team.

Teams will complete all obstacles on each stage with time penalties for failed obstacles.

Along with competing, DeFranco is selling T-shirts that support his team "Team DeFranco" and all proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Ninja For a Cure.

To sign up for the Ninjas Battle For A Cure event or to learn more information CLICK HERE.

To learn more about DeFranco visit his Instagram page at CLICK HERE.

To buy a Team DeFranco T-Shirt CLICK HERE.

(Image via DeFranco)

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