Joey Dente Jr., was a boy whose life was cut short by a pulmonary infection.
In Joey's memory, his parents set out on a mission. They channeled their grief and feelings of helplessness into a worthy and very productive endeavor. They founded "JOEY'S FRIENDS" Their hope was to establish a Pediatric Function Test Lab. Joe and Virginia Dente with the help of many friends, relatives, and people like you, embarked on a grass roots fundraising effort, and in short time had helped establish the JOEY DENTE PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST LAB, at North Shore University Hospital.
Through labs such as "Joey's" the diagnosis of infections like the one that took his life, are now easier to make. The quicker the diagnosis is made, the faster the cure for the child. Virginia has personally watched children being treated and diagnosed with the equipment that we worked so hard to fund.
"JOEY'S FRIENDS" has been a fantastic success. Joe and Virginia Dente have seen their dream come true. The test lab is operational and financially sound!!
Because of the success of "Joey's Friends," Joe and Virginia remain committed in their effort to help children. Young Joey spent the last few months of his short life confined to a rented wheelchair. Joey wanted his own wheelchair, but the insurance company would not pay for Joey to have his own. He needed some help. Eventually Joe and Virginia found a manufacturer willing to help. They sent over a salesperson, and measurements were taken. Joey picked out his favorite color. The manufacturer said the wheelchair would be ready in thirty days, and be delivered the beginning of July. Joey died June 28th of that year. He never got the wheelchair he wanted.
Joe and Virginia's new foundation, "JOEY'S FRIENDS TOO," will hopefully be able to never let that happen to another child. Its mission is to assist in the purchase of medical equipment necessary to promote the independence and enhanced quality of life for disabled children.
Please help us kick off our new foundation on Sunday, September 8th, with a block party / BBQ / fundraiser at Fuzzy's, 239-21 Braddock Ave., Bellerose (718) 347-9643, with RISKY BUSINESS.
The staff at FUZZY'S, and the members of RISKY BUSINESS along with all the volunteers and the friends and relatives of Joe and Virginia Dente, are donating their time and talent to help insure the success of this new foundation.
Please stop by and help us get started on our mission to meet the needs of disabled children.
A few words about Risky Business:
During the six years that Risky Business has been helping Joey's Friends with our fundraising we have raised over $100,000.00. They started helping us in 1994 and have never let us down since. The Joey Dente Pediatric Pulmonary Function Lab was just a dream when we started and now thanks in a BIG way to Risky Business it is a reality. We try to spread the word about these guys wherever we go about how great the music is and how "a part of them" the band makes you feel when you go and listen to them play. Years back they weren't as popular as they are now so they were really special to us. (they were our secret) Now we share them with everyone. It seems that the old saying about the "best kept secret....." really is true. We are very proud to call these guys our friends and even prouder to call them JOEY'S FRIENDS.
-Virginia & Joe Dente
| For event or donation information please call: (516) 354-0957 or (718) 347-9643 |
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