Community Comes Together To Help Wayne Man With ALS

One Wayne resident is trying to help a beloved co-worker who was recently diagnosed with a debilitating, and terminal, illness.

Gary Ragusa was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Michael Riga, Ragusa’s friend and co-worker started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help Ragusa and his family. Ragusa works in the township’s Water Department

Riga wants to raise $15,000 so the Ragusa’s home can remodeled and equipment installed for when the disease progresses. Nearly $6,700 was donated as of Friday afternoon.

“He’s just in the beginning stages, but he’s got to prepare himself,” Riga said.

The money will also help pay for travel expenses during Ragusa’s treatment.

Ragusa, who is in his early 40s, is married to Janine. His oldest son Gary plays hockey for Wayne Valley High School. He has another son named Ryan.

“Everyone in town knowns him. He doesn’t have an enemy and he’s never had any problems with anybody,” Riga said. “We just want to do everything we can to help him.”

(Pictured: Gary Ragusa, his son, Ryan, wife, Janine, and son Gary/Photo courtesy of Michael Riga.)