IRVING - Thomas Joseph "TJ" Joy of Irving, son on Joseph C. and Angela D. (Larson) Joy, was born on Nov. 15, 2007, but died unexpectedly in his sleep on Nov. 7, 2010 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, just a week before his third birthday. The cause of his death was a rare brain malformation, PolyMicroGryia (PMG). PMG causes epilepsy, mental retardation and also delays in development.
Joy Ride 2012: The TJ Joy Memorial PMG/Epilepsy Motorcycle Dice Run and Benefit will be held Saturday. It starts at the Jamestown Harley David-son in Falconer and goes near the Allegheny Mount-ains, though Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, and ends in Forestville, where the benefit will take place.
Joseph and Angela discovered later that seizure protection masks could have signaled the seizure and that TJ may have been able to get help in time.
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Thomas Joseph “TJ” Joy passed away on Nov. 7, 2010 unexpectedly due to the rare brain malformation PolyMicroGryia.
"Because these masks are not covered by insurance," Angela explained, "we purchase masks for other families in need."
"Although we do not have an exact amount of motorcycles, we have opened pre-registration and our goal is an estimated 150 bikes," Angela continued.
In last year's run, Joseph and Angela sponsored three children, Gage, Aiden and Luc. This year they want to purchase masks for other children in need, especially Timothy and Brie.
"Timothy and Brie are in critical need because their seizures aren't controlled by medication," Joseph said. "We want to do everything we can to help them."
"Our goal with the Joy Ride 2012," Angela stated, "is to reduce the risk of death by seizures and to help provide medical equipment that families need."
There will be live music at the benefit provided by "Roll of the Dice," playing music from classic rock, to country, to oldies and much more. Food will be available for purchase and there will be a cash-prize, silent auction and raffles.
Pre-registration is $15 per biker, $20 per biker on the day of registration and $5 per friend. Memorial donations can be sent to TJ JOY FUND at M&T Bank, 10 S. Main St., Silver Creek or via paypal to tjjoyfund@gmail.com. Those with any questions regarding The Joy Ride 2012, call Angela Joy at 698-7583.
