Returning to the Valley for its second year, the Knuckle Ball Gala took place on November 12th, 2016, at the Arizona Biltmore. The event, hosted by the Joe Niekro Foundation™, supported brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke research and awareness with proceeds benefiting neurological research at Barrow Neurological Institute. The Joe Niekro Foundation™ was founded by Natalie Niekro, daughter of 22-year MLB veteran Joe Niekro, in 2008 after her father’s sudden passing from a ruptured brain aneurysm. The first Knuckle Ball, named after the pitch that made Joe Niekro famous, took place in 2009 in Houston, TX where he spent the majority of his career. The Joe Niekro Foundation™ is committed to supporting patients and families, research treatment and awareness for brain aneurysms, AVMs and hemorrhagic strokes. The foundation provides education on the risk factors, causes and treatments of these conditions while funding the advancement of neurological research.

Photography by Joe Niekro Foundation
http://www.joeniekrofoundation.com/
Jparks@RoseMoserAllynpr.com