By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer
Published March 26, 2008

The memory of an Old Tappan resident who died an untimely death at age 20, will live on in a run held in his honor at Stone Point Park in April.

Mike LaViola died from synovial sarcoma in February and is remembered by a friend of his sister’s, Morgan Procida as a "great guy" who didn’t let his sickness affect him.

MEMORY RUN • What: 5K run and 1.7-mile walk • When: Sunday, April 13 • Where: Stone Point Park, Old Tappan • To register, visit www.MattsPromise.org • For more information, e-mail info@MattsPromise.org

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Having known LaViola, "really makes you just want to not take any day for granted and do anything you want whenever you get the chance," said Procida, 17.

Procida was so affected by LaViola’s sickness that an event she attended last May made her think of what she could do to help him and other young people afflicted by terminal diseases.

The event was a charity that took place in the city raising money for Matt’s Promise, which helps young people affected by terminal illnesses.

A month after that, Procida thought of how she could combine her love of running with her desire to benefit LaViola. Being the captain of her cross-country team at Northern Valley High School at Old Tappan, Procida said she has always wanted to do a benefit run.

"I’ve always wanted to organize my own run and I was inspired by the event," she said.

Since her family is close with Old Tappan Mayor Victor Polce, Procida said, "I thought he could help me and he said he would get right on that."

Stone Point Park was chosen to be this year’s location for the Memory Run through Matt’s Promise and donations will be made in LaViola’s honor.

"Matt’s Promise will make donation to the LaViola’s and we’re going to donate money in Mike’s name to Sloan Kettering [cancer center]," said Procida.

Polce reflected on the family’s loss, saying the LaViola family "is truly one of the greatest group of people who live in this town.

"The loss of a son who impacted so many people in such a short period of time was absolutely extraordinary. He was a bright star that unfortunately was sadly cut short by a disease," Polce said.

Polce said he is "honored" the run is being held in Old Tappan.

E-mail: wilde@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6706