Mae's Playground

10/18/2026

Our intro video is now live on the new Mae’s Playground website, along with four additional videos outlining our mission and the work we hope to do in our community. Together, they offer a personal look at why this mission of advocacy means so much to our family and what we hope to build for Fall River. Take a few minutes to watch them. 💙 Thank you to Shawn Mills and his team at My Biz Media for creating these videos and helping bring our vision to another level.

Over the last year, we’ve built a community filled with people who want to make a difference. With all that love and support, we have an opportunity to do even more.

Everything starts with the park, but it doesn’t end there—from emergency sensory bags and Adopt a Classroom to sensory-friendly events and resources for families.

Our hope is to help make Fall River a more inclusive, welcoming place where every child feels supported and belongs—and where our city has a reputation for inclusion, compassion, and support for families navigating the spectrum.

We’re turning the pain cancer has brought our family and the challenges autism brings into purpose. We’re just getting started.

Follow Mae’s Playground, visit maesplayground.org, and reach out if you’d like to help. We’re grateful for every one of you. 💙💪🏼
https://vimeopro.com/mybizmedia/maes-playground/video/1228130569

This is "Mae's Playground Story" by My Biz Media on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/07/2026

Bobby Larisa, an EMS worker, husband, and father of four, is awaiting a lifesaving heart transplant at Tufts. His family needs our help as they face lost income, travel, and everyday expenses while he’s in the hospital.

This man has helped save lives and been there for others when they needed him most. Now it’s our turn to step up for him.

If you can find it in your heart to donate, please give whatever you can. If you can’t, sharing this post can still make a difference. Let’s surround Bobby and his family with love and remind them they’re not facing this alone. 💙💪🏼

10/06/2026

This Friday, October 9, I’ll be the guest speaker at the First Friday Club gathering. Jess will be there with me, and I’ll share our story, how Mae’s Playground came to life, and how we keep moving forward through the hard times. Mass is at 6 PM, followed by a pasta dinner and my talk.

I’d love to see some friends and family there! If you’re planning to come and haven’t already told me, please let me know so I can give them a headcount. 💙

📍St. Anthony of the Desert Church
300 North Eastern Avenue, Fall River

10/05/2026

Mae wasn’t having it this morning, like a lot of us on Mondays 😂 But she snapped out of it, and we got the day going.

Jess left for Boston at 4:30 this morning for her appointments. I’m heading into surgery in a little bit, and she’ll be coming straight here to pick me up when I’m done.

No matter what we had to deal with today, the important thing is we’ll all be together tonight. Thats a blessing and something to look forward to, and that’s how we get through days like this💙💪🏼

10/05/2026

We had a great time at the Bernardo Boxing Halloween event! 🎃 This was our second year attending, and this was one of the first events we took part in when we started bringing Mae’s Playground into the community. We’ve come a long way since then.

Jess and I love doing these events. Seeing a kid’s smile when they pick the right pool noodle and win a prize, or watching them run straight to the busy board and not want to leave—that feeds our souls. We don’t take days like this for granted.

Mae was absolutely amazing. She was a little overwhelmed at first, but she settled into her surroundings, observing and exploring in her own way throughout the event. So proud of her. ❤️

Thank you, Aaron, for everything you do for the community and for letting us play a small part in it. Definitely a great day!

10/03/2026

Big shout-out to my man Louis “Lou” Ledoux from Axis Bats. He’s made every bat we’ve presented to the generous people who donated a $1,000 or more to Mae’s Playground.

If you’ve received one of Lou’s bats here in Fall River, you know you’ve done something pretty special. He’s a true craftsman and a great guy.

Thanks, Lou, for helping us thank the people who are making this park a reality. Your work has made every one of those thank-yous that much more special. ❤️