Team Goose Goes All In For Wayne Native Battling ALS

An online campaign has been launched to help a Wayne man battle Lou Gehrig's Disease.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Gary Ragusa receive a stem cell treatment in the Dominican Republic to help him battle against the insidious disease. Michael Riga, Ragusa's friend and co-worker, started the GoFundMe campaign to help offset the $60,00 cost for the treatment and travel expenses. More than $1,300 has been donated to date.

Ragusa, a lifelong Wayne resident and a big hockey fan,was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) last February. Residents and Ragusa’s friends have formed Team Goose to try and help the father and his family, including his two sons, Gary, who plays hockey at Wayne Valley High School, and Ryan.

Related: Community Comes Together To Help Wayne Man With ALS

Ragusa has lost motor functions in his legs and hands. He will leave for the Dominican Republic soon to receive the treatment, Riga said.

"I want to thank all my friends, family, mom and dad, and a very special person that pushed me every day to be where I am today," Ragusa said in a Facebook post Riga posted to the GoFundMe page recently. "You opened a new door in this hard battle that I gave up on months ago and showed me that there is angels out there overlooking me."

Team Goose held a special fundraiser for Ragusa last February. New Jersey Devils head coach John Hymes and player Kyle Palmieri attended.

Photo: Gary Ragusa and his sons, Gary and Ryan