Motorcycle, auto clubs raise over $2,000 for Dyker Heights boy with rare disease

The Hallowed Sons, Caged, Domestic Disorder Motor Cycle and Automobile Clubs and the rest of the Gravesend Community gathered to raise money for the Find a Cure fundraiser: We Ride for Joey on Saturday, July 23 at the Ben Machree Boat Club.

Giuseppe “Joey” Parelli  of Dyker Heights suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. In 2015, Parrelli was diagnosed with cancer from the disorder. The cancer affected his foot, which had to be amputated in December, 2015.

“We just wanted to do something nice for him,” said Shawn Kalloff of the Hallowed Sons.

Kalloff, who had previously met Giuseppe and his family at the Hope for a Cure fundraiser in June, reached out to the family to do another fundraiser, hosted by the motorcycle and automobile clubs.

With live music, dancing, food and raffle prizes, the fundraiser rose over $2,000 for Giuseppe and his family.

“We just met the boy, but he’s a strong fighter and humbled us with the challenges he faces every day,” said Kalloff.

This is the second fundraiser held for Giuseppe this summer. Sara Steinweiss, who coordinated the Hope for a Cure fundraiser in late June at Indigo Murphy’s in Dyker Heights, was thrilled to see others giving back to the Parelli family.

“You meet this kid and he takes over your life, and you want to help him as much as you can,” said Steinweiss.  “You just want to do more because of his personality and how he pushes himself every day.”

The Parelli family was also overwhelmed by the support Giuseppe has been receiving from the surrounding community. Giuseppe’s mother, Janine Parelli, describes the members of the motorcycle and automobile clubs as Giuseppe’s ‘big brothers.’

“It’s just beautiful to see that my son is not alone in this fight,” said Parelli.

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