The Joey O Bocce Classic is an annual bocce ball benefit. All proceeds are donated to fund cystic fibrosis research. We are a small team of volunteers, friends and bocce aficionados sharing a common goal, which is to come together and play bocce until cystic fibrosis is controlled and cured for all those living with this life threatening disease.
Joe O’Connell lost his fight with Cystic Fibrosis in November 2009, at the age of 32. He had spent three months fighting in the ICU at Duke University Hospital. During this time his wife, Kristy, gave birth to their daughter, Piper Rose.
Those that knew Joe remember his positive spirit, infectious laugh and zest for life. He was quite the character, life of the party, and friend to everyone. We are inspired by his energy, and continue the march forward in the battle against Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus. In the 1950s, few children with Cystic Fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF.
Our event has raised over
FDA Approved a new drug that can treat
