Meet the Walsh clan, the 2025 Philadelphia All Star Labor Classic Ambassador Family (left to right): Robert, Jr., Dad Robert, Sr, Amelia, Mom Lauren and baby John.
By Frank Keel
The luck of the Irish was with newborn John Walsh and his loving family last year. Oh, and so was an Angel Eye Camera, courtesy of the non-profit Superhero Project.
John, the third child of parents Lauren and Robert Walsh of Chalfont, Bucks County, was born prematurely at only 32 weeks old and weighed just 1 lb. 15 oz. John spent 61 long days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Pennsylvania Hospital. Cue The Superhero Project to the rescue. The Angel Eye Camera mounted to little John’s incubator (provided gratis by The Superhero Project) allowed the Walsh family to monitor their infant son continuously through their cell phones and laptops, offering them much-needed peace of mind. Baby John is now home and thriving.
The Angel Eye Cameras offer an invaluable emotional connection for families unable to be at their baby’s bedside, supporting the parents’ mental and emotional well-being during extremely challenging times. Additionally the nonprofit has family-centric programs that make all mothers, fathers and caregivers feel like they’re a part of a community during a very difficult period in their lives. Founded in Philadelphia in 2015, The Superhero Project has grown from a local initiative to a national organization, touching the lives of families across the country. The Walsh family is incredibly grateful for the support,
“We are so excited to be partnering with the Building Trades this year to raise money and awareness for The Superhero Project,”said Lauren Walsh. “I grew up attending this event as my grandfather, John (baby John’s namesake) was one of the event’s founders. After having my son prematurely last year, and finding out that the All Star Labor Classic now supports the same organization that supported us, I knew I had to get involved. The Angel Eye Cameras allowed me to see John before I was able to physically meet him. The Superhero Project offers a sense of community that goes well beyond the NICU and I am looking forward to continuing to find ways to get involved. Congratulations to all of the athletes selected to play in this year’s event. Maybe one day John will be one of them!”
The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades’ All Star Labor Classic is its long-running showcase of the region’s best male and female high school basketball talents. The Trades is once again collaborating with The Superhero Project for its 38th All Star Labor Classic, scheduled for Sunday, April 13 at Holy Family University in Northeast Philly.
The event, which starts at 12 Noon, is free and open to the public.
The Trades first adopted The Superhero Project as its charity beneficiary in 2024 for a very personal reason. Its long-time Office Manager Kelly Ross and her husband, Ryan, are the proud parents of three “preemies”. The Angel Eye Cameras were a Godsend for the Ross family, allowing them to keep in constant contact with their babies while the infants spent many weeks in the ICU. The organizers of the All Star Labor Classic are encouraging individuals and corporations to support The Superhero Project through game sponsorships.
In addition to raising funds for The Superhero Project, the annual All Star Labor Classic provides $500 college scholarships to every participating high school hoops player.
For more details and a list of sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Ross at [email protected] or visit the website.
