Syracuse Car Parade to Celebrate Huntington Student
Teachers and classmates will visit a local student's home on October 31 for a safe, socially-distanced Halloween celebration.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Special Needs
Denisha DeLee is organizing a festive car parade in Syracuse on October 31 to celebrate her six-year-old son, Ace Franklin. The young Huntington School student is currently homebound and immune-compromised following a bone marrow transplant performed in August.
Why it matters
The parade allows Ace to enjoy his favorite holiday safely while he recovers from his transplant and manages his CD 40 Ligand deficiency. This celebration offers a way to maintain community connections for a child who remains isolated due to strict medical requirements.
Six-year-old Ace Franklin and his 13-year-old brother, King DeLee, both manage CD 40 Ligand deficiency. Ace was recently discharged from Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a bone marrow transplant from his father, Derrick Franklin.
The players
Ace Franklin
A six-year-old Huntington School student currently recovering at home following a bone marrow transplant.
Denisha DeLee
The parent coordinating a safe community celebration for her immune-compromised son.
Strong Memorial Hospital
The medical facility where Ace Franklin received his bone marrow transplant and subsequent care.
The details
Ace Franklin remains immune-compromised as he recovers from his transplant, necessitating a homebound recovery period. By organizing a car parade, his family and community can offer support and Halloween celebrations without exposing him to the health risks associated with traditional public gatherings or trick-or-treating.
Timeline
August 2026: Ace Franklin underwent his bone marrow transplant.
Early October 2026: Ace Franklin was discharged from Strong Memorial Hospital.
October 31, 2026: The car parade is scheduled to take place at Ace Franklin's home.
The Home Front
This car parade follows a community-led tradition popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to maintain social bonds for isolated individuals. It serves as a modern local solution for families managing long-term, home-based recovery needs.
Families managing chronic health conditions at home should coordinate with their school or social circles to create safe, low-contact engagement opportunities for their children. Always verify that such events align with current medical discharge instructions provided by your child's care team.
The takeaway
Maintaining a social connection to school and friends is essential for children recovering from complex medical procedures. Consider coordinating with teachers to identify safe ways to keep children engaged with their peers while they remain homebound for their recovery.
Further reading
Learn more about local support systems for families in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
