Mitch Christoff holding a sign that reads Thank you for supporting Fragile X.

Since 2017, Joey Christoff has hosted an annual multi-day event he calls “Fishing for a Cure” at his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The location alone is worth the price of admission. Hilton Head has been repeatedly named one of the top vacation destinations worldwide.

Joey started the tradition in honor of his son, Mitchell, who has Fragile X syndrome, and his wife and mother-in-law who are carriers at risk of Fragile X-associated disorders.

The landscape of managing life with Fragile X is constantly changing and presents a unique set of challenges for parents and caregivers. Joey’s drive comes from the desire to give hope to all families and to raise awareness and funds for the National Fragile X Foundation.

This year alone, the event has raised $12,845. Since 2017, they have raised nearly $55,000.

The National Fragile X Foundation promotes advocacy, provides education, advances research, improves treatment, and champions the estimated 1.5 million Americans with the Fragile X gene premutation and up to 100,000 Americans with the full mutation, Fragile X syndrome.

I am devoted to raising awareness and funds to support Mitch and all those living with Fragile X. Hopefully someday there will be a cure.

— JOEY CHRISTOFF

More Fun in 2022

If you’re not familiar with how fishing competitions work, entrants compete for prizes based on the weight of their fish, which are caught within a set period of time.

Big fish in Hilton Head, SC, fishing tournament to raise money for Fragile X syndrome.

Each year the fundraiser adds more events in addition to fishing such as golf, tennis, swimming, zip-lining, beach biking, and one of the most popular, hanging out at the beach.

This year, Joey expanded the event to include pickleball, bocci, and sailing. Plus lots of rest and relaxation. They may want to think about changing the name to Fishing–Golfing–Swimming–Zip-Lining–Biking–Sailing–Bocci–and–Pickleball for a Cure?

Six men riding beach bikes in Hilton Head, SC..

Fishing for a Cure 2023

The seventh annual “Fishing for a Cure” will take place over two separate weekends in October. We’re sure it will be another incredible success.

Thank you to Joey and all his guests over the years. And to his daughter Natalie who has followed in his footsteps to become a passionate Fragile X fundraiser herself.

Joey Christoff served as a National Fragile X Foundation volunteer board member for six years and has traveled to Capitol Hill as an advocate. 

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