About Joey

Joseph Anthony Dente Jr.
“Joey”
Born October 13th 1982 - Died June 28th 1993

Joey was diagnosed with a very rare immune deficiency, Chronic Granulomatous Disease at 6 months old. C.G.D. causes the body to encapsulate rather that fight certain types of infection, so from time to time Joey needed to have 1 to 2 week hospital stays so he could be given intravenous antibiotics. Joey lived each and every day of his short life to the fullest. If a hospital stay was required he accepted it. Instead of dwelling on his own pain and discomfort, he could always be found checking on the other children, making them laugh, helping with a push or even an explanation of a treatment he was familiar with. You could always find him in the children’s playroom at the hospital either playing board games or putting together the latest gadget. Joey never gave up hope. His strength, wisdom and faith enabled him to get up every day and make the best of whatever that day had to offer. 


Joey’s Friends Too is an organization that came about after Joey’s death. Our wish is to help all the children “Connect Their Stars with Rainbows”. It’s main focus is to put a smile on the faces of ill children. 

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me."

Written by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog, of The Muppets, Jim Henson Productions