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Patrick's PALS was established in 1997 and exists to serve two masters. First, Patrick's PALS aims to raise awareness of Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of Autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide, and in honor of Patrick Vershbow. Patrick was diagnosed with Fragile X at 11 months old.(Patrick is now 32 years of age.) Second, PALS works to raise money on behalf of FRAXA Research Foundation. FRAXA was established in 1994 by three parents of children who had recently been diagnosed with Fragile X.
FRAXA's goal is to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X syndrome. They directly fund research grants and fellowships at top universities around the world, and partner with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, large and small, to bridge the gap between research discoveries and actual treatments.
Treatments for Fragile X are likely to help people affected by autism, Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders.
Patrick's PALS 3x3 Basketball Tournament
On the first Saturday after Memorial Day, beginning with the maiden voyage on Saturday May 31, 1997, Patrick's PALS 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament takes place! 32 (or more) teams, a double elimination format, young and old, male and female, family and friends, returnees and newcomers, all join together to make this event what it is - a fun and memorable and important day. Raising awareness of Fragile X and money to fund research on the path to a cure, Patrick's PALS is proud to do its part on behalf of FRAXA Research Foundation.
The day packs in a lot. Opening ceremonies update those in attendance on the progress of research and introduce special guests honored for their support of PALS in some way. Once the games begin, it's four halfcourts of nonstop basketball as teams do everything they can to avoid elimination. At the same time, there's food to eat and silent auction items to bid on and raffle tickets to buy and friends to catch up with and field space to recreate on - that is, until two teams are called to occupy the next open court.
After a few rounds it's time for lunch, and for those interested, contests. A 3-point shooting contest is a PALS staple, and always draws a hefty sign-up. The prize? Half the pot of the entry fee to participate. After that, anyone can take a stab at our half-court shooting contest. The prize for those making the necessary shots? A lot of great (and FREE) PALS swag! And whether you are contest bound or not, one and all are invited to enjoy a special ice cream treat!
Then it's drawing time and winners of three raffles are announced. Winners take home some great game tickets and other cool stuff. And then? Back to basketball until there are only two teams standing - an undefeated team and the winner of the winner's bracket, and a one-loss team and the winner of the loser's bracket. The finals is one game if the winner's bracket team wins. If the loser's bracket wins game one, then one more game will determine the champ.
Trophies and prizes are presented to both teams, and another tournament is in the books!
Twenty Nine Years of Patrick's PALS are in the books. All but two years (Covid) included basketball, and therefore 27 champs. (Four appear above, ranging from Year One ('97) to Year 29 ('25) to two in-between. For many years Cambridge was our home, in three different venues. For one year, we called Waltham (Bentley College) home. And for the past two years ('24 & '25) we have hung our hat at a state-of-the-art facility known as the TRACK at 91 Guest Street in Brighton.
As we embark on our 30th year in support of FRAXA Research Foundation, it's easy to become retrospective. And it's also easy to state the following: Patrick's PALS lives on because of an amazing collection of generous and loyal and considerate participants and donors and contributors.
"Thank you" only begins to scratch the surface of expressing the gratitude Patrick's PALS feels for everyone pictured below from years past, to so many others who have embraced the cause. THANK YOU!!!
Patrick
Patrick Nolan Vershbow, born in February of 1993 to James & Pamela Vershbow, was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome in December of the same year.
In 1994, James and Pamela met Katie Clapp and Michael Tranfaglia, also parents of a boy with Fragile X, who had just recently co-founded FRAXA!
James & Pamela were inspired by Katie and Mike's efforts, and many fundraising events on behalf of FRAXA led by James & Pamela followed - with incredible support from family and friends.
In 1997, spurred on by three very close friends, Patrick's PALS 3x3 Basketball Tournament was born.
Pamela and Patrick, 1997
about Patrick’s PALS
Patrick’s PALS is a long-running, family-led, locally rooted basketball fundraiser aimed at supporting Fragile X research through FRAXA. It combines athletic fun, community participation, and philanthropic giving—making it not just an event, but a meaningful movement toward a cure.
Supporting Fragile X Research Through Basketball
The idea was simple: four men in their thirties invited their friends to form teams and participate in a double-elimination basketball tournament. The tournament took place on the first Saturday after Memorial Day, and the Shady Hill School in Cambridge hosted it for the first two years. The event saw modest success in terms of both fundraising and participation, with $12-$15K raised and between 16 and 24 teams. In 1999, BB&N, also in Cambridge, began a run of 21 years as host. Over time, and with additional support from six other dear and close friends, the event gained greater exposure and the tournament grew to 32 teams. Loyal donors, new donors and large gifts all contributed to a gradual growth, from $30K-$75K to now annually between $125-$150K.
Due to the pandemic, we were unable to host an in-person event for Patrick's PALS in 2020 and 2021, but we were overwhelmed by the incredible support we received through our annual mailing. However, in 2022, the basketball tournament was able to return, and we were thrilled to have Shady Hill as our host once again since 1998. In 2023, PALS was welcome with open arms by a new host, Bentley University. The Dana Athletic Center was a great facility; the basketball was top-notch, and participants and guests alike enjoyed a great day! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised over $150,000.
Patrick's PALS is very proud to still be around in support of FRAXA Research Foundation, while at the same time always hoping that "this year" is the last year! When that day comes - as a result of a cure being found - it will be because of the tireless efforts of FRAXA Research Foundation, and of course, the support of loyal donors such as you!
Until that day, Patrick's PALS continues on.
Inspiration from the FRAXA Community
Patricks PALS in the News
This page is a collection of blog posts written by the Patrick’s PALS team, highlighting annual 3x3 basketball tournaments held to support FRAXA. Each post recaps event details, fundraising achievements, and the ongoing effort to raise awareness and funds for Fragile X research.
