Cornhole For A Cause: Community Plays For Young Dad With Cancer

GREENPORT, NY — As if cornhole weren't fun enough on its own, now competitors can face off to play for a good cause.

"Cornhole for a Cause," presented by North Fork Cornhole, is a fundraiser to benefit Matte Rolle, a young dad battling cancer.

The event takes place on Sunday, May 19, at Greenport American Legion, located at 102 3rd Street in Greenport. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a 12 p.m. start; the event costs $50 per person and includes a 50/50 raffle, knockout pools, crush cancer, air mail challenge, and cash prizes, with all proceeds benefitting Rolle and his family.

"Come show your support for Matt Rolle. We are running a cornhole tournament fundraiser to help with his medical expenses," organizers said. "Nobody fights alone."

Donations and volunteers are still needed. Those who want to help can contact Greg Cocheo at 631-578- 2842 or Joe Barszczewski at 631-599-4253 for details and to register a team.

Rolle, of Aquebogue, told Patch last year that he thought he had the flu and went to the doctor — only to receive news that he was in for the battle of his life, with cancer of the colon and liver.

But rather than feel overwhelmed, Rolle — a young dad with a little boy, Clayton, and wife, Haley — has chosen to face his diagnosis with an upbeat spirit and optimism that shines strong.

Rolle, who grew up in Mattituck and has lived in Cutchogue, said he started feeling as though he had the flu. "I went to the hospital to be checked out," he said; while there, a CT scan revealed masses in his colon and digestive track, he said. He then had a colonoscopy; a pathology report indicated that the masses were cancerous.

At first, the diagnosis was daunting, he said.

"It was definitely a little rough at the very beginning — just being so young and having a young child, a wife and family. It was a little tough to swallow," he said.

But with a family history of the disease, and the example of his own father, who faced a similar battle but is now fine, Rolle chose to come out swinging, starting chemotherapy immediately.

Rolle has been resolute in fighting the foe and looking forward to his future with his little boy and beautiful family: "We're rocking and rolling. I have a positive attitude. The way I look at it, there's really no other option. I know it's going to be an uphill battle for a little while. But I'm going to fight it until it's gone."

North Fork Cornhole brought the game to Greenport in January, with crowds turning out to enjoy the fun.