About Us

An undersized three-sport athlete noted for his never-give-up mental toughness, determination, and aggressiveness, Nick received countless accolades in football, wrestling, and lacrosse during his high school years.

He accepted an athletic scholarship to Hofstra University, joining their Men’s Lacrosse Program — a childhood dream fulfilled. While at Hofstra, Nick took the field in all 16 games as a freshman, cracking the Pride’s lineup and seeing significant minutes on their man-down unit.

In April 2005, towards the end of his freshman season, Nick had difficulty hearing play calls and his family’s cheers during a game against Delaware. He woke up the following morning unable to hear from his right ear. He was evaluated by an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who removed inflamed adenoids, and biopsies revealed Nicholas was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

Nick shared the news with his team, withdrew from Hofstra, and returned home with his family to be treated at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Though the initial diagnosis was positive, doctors later told the Colleluori family that Nick should have lived for only three months due to the aggressiveness of the cancer. But true to Nick’s relentless attitude, he endured a 14-month battle with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and experimental treatments.

Shortly after being diagnosed, Nicholas recognized a lack of resources for cancer patients and their families. Experiencing the hardships firsthand, he created the HEADstrong Foundation from his hospital bed to raise awareness and funds for cancer by empowering athletes to support his mission. He drew the organization’s logo moments before entering the operating room for a procedure and outlined its mission and future plans.

After doctors told Nicholas there was nothing more they could do to prolong his life, he made his final wishes to his parents on a ride home from the hospital. He took the car keys out of his father’s hands and said:

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“Dad, you’re too upset to drive. Mom, I want you to drive.
Dad, I want you to get in the back seat because there are some things I need to talk to Mom about.”

Cheryl Colleluori recalls:

— He held my hand. We were sitting side-by-side. I’m driving home, and Nick says:

“I want to talk about three things, and I never want to talk about them again.”

First, he wanted to be cremated and buried. Second, he wanted a memorial scholarship at Ridley High School and at Hofstra University. And finally, Nicholas said:

“Mom, I need you to take the Foundation to where it needs to go. Don’t question anything. The lacrosse family is my brotherhood. They won’t turn their backs on you.”

Moments before Nick took his last breath, he asked his family to promise him that others following in his footsteps would benefit from his life.

Today, the Colleluori family, the HEADstrong staff, and volunteers are carrying out his vision — raising millions of dollars and supporting thousands of patients nationwide.

Nicholas passed away on November 28, 2006, in his father’s arms.
His legacy will live on forever.