Matt Joyce might have weighed less than 100 lbs, but he was undoubtedly much bigger than his body-build. Having a life-long struggle with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a disease that restricts breathing and often stunts healthy growth and development, Matt grew beyond his condition and lived a life well beyond his challenge.

As a regular surfer at La Jolla Shores, Matt was fond of the small lefts pealing away across the beach’s parking lot. And in these little waves, his lightweight gave him an edge in noseriding, allowing him sometimes to perch on the board’s edge and cruise along.

In 2000, he underwent a lung transplant, but that didn’t hold him under the weather for too long. After recovering from the surgery, he went on several surf trips, most often to Namotu in Fiji. But the courage that led him halfway around the world was regularly found at his home break, back at the Shores. Quite often, one would find Matt sitting on his truck’s tailgate, chatting with friends and sharing the stoke, without ever mentioning the downward draw of his condition. In fact, his strength and life-exuding persona had many completely unaware of his challenges.

Then in April this year, Matt once again displayed his courage and went in for a second lung transplant, knowing of the low success rate of the procedure. After battling a long-drawn surgery, he was put on life support but later passed away.

Between his first and second surgery, Matt founded the Big Worm’s CF Foundation, whose mission is to provide comfort for those who suffer from the disease. Today 7pm at RT’s Longboard Bar and Grill, Pacific Beach, San Diego, a fundraiser will be held in his honor and all the proceeds will go to his foundation. Through the courage of donors and participants, Matt Joyce’s courage continues to live. (See also the Union-Tribune Artcile on Matt and the Big Worm's CF Foundation website .)

05.07.08 STORY

On May 28, RT’s Longboard Bar and Grill in Pacific Beach will be hosting “Big Worm’s Big Give,” a fundraiser for Matt “Worm” Joyce’s foundation for Cystic Fibrosis. 

CF is a disease that causes mucus to build up primarily in the lungs and pancreas, restricting breathing and often stunting healthy growth and development. Big Worm's CF Foundation has a simple but noble mission:

 “Our mission at Big Worm's Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to help ease the time for CF patients during hospital stays for frequent "tune ups" of IV antibiotics by giving tangible gifts. CF patients are referred to Worm through a social worker at Children's Hospital. Donations given at Worm's fundraisers will provide age-appropriate gifts on request such as Nintendo Games, laptops, MP3 players, guitars, DVD players and various toys for the little ones. Until a cure is found, your donations can make a difference in the lives of children with Cystic Fibrosis.”

So don't forget to head over to RT’s for live music, drink specials, raffles, a silent auction, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of kids and teens suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

 Details at-a-glance:

What: “Big Worm’s Big Give” – a fundraiser for the Big Worm CF Foundation

When: 7:00pm, May 28, 2008

What: Live music, drink specials, raffles, and silent auction

Why: Fundraiser to benefit those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis