[CT-NFB] Fwd: [Chapter-Presidents] Update on Joseph Ruffalo

Thu Dec 31 18:32:19 UTC 2020

Phil,

Thank you for sharing this.  Joe Ruffalo was our National representative at my first Connecticut affiliate convention when I moved here from California in 2007.  And having already worked with him in the National Scholarship Program, I can attest to his great heart and outstanding leadership.  He will be in my prayers.

Nathanael

From: CT-NFB [mailto:ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Phillip Magalnick via CT-NFB
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2020 10:51 AM
To: ct-nfb at nfbnet.org
Cc: Phillip Magalnick
Subject: [CT-NFB] Fwd: [Chapter-Presidents] Update on Joseph Ruffalo

Please keep Joe Ruffalo in your thoughts and prayers. The New Jersey affiliate president, for decades, was recently diagnosed with cancer. See the note below from Linda Melendez, New Jersey, and another from Joe’s son.

Joe was one of the first national leaders we met during our first convention. He is a great leader, a great mentor, and a passionate federation member.  Even after decades of active participation, he never slows down and actually was providing menu suggestions for this year‘s BELL Academy! Jo is also a national board member, And a veteran.

Respectfully,

P.A. Magalnick,JP

203-912-5783

Justice of the Peace, CT

Vice-Chair, Stamford Committee on Accessibility

Begin forwarded message:

From: Linda Melendez via Chapter-Presidents <chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org>
Date: December 31, 2020 at 7:56:23 AM EST
To: NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Linda Melendez <lindamelendez220 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Chapter-Presidents] Update on Joseph Ruffalo
Reply-To: NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org>

Greetings My Federation Family:

Listed below is a medical update shared with the NFBNJ regarding Joe Ruffalo.  I want to share it with all you as I know Joe is loved across the country by all; please feel free to share as you see fit.

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
Email: president at nfbnj.org
Website:  <http://www.nfbnj.org/> www.nfbnj.org
Facebook:  <https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238> https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238
Twitter:  <https://twitter.com/nfbnewjersey> @NFBNewJersey
YouTube:  <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg> NFBNJTransformDreams
Live the life you want.

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Everyday we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

****

Request for distribution by Janie Degenshein, NFBNJ Affiliate Board Member

This is the first of many updates I wish to share with our NFBNJ family about my brother Joe Ruffalo. Joe is in need of quiet rest at this time but knows that he feels the love and warmth of your prayers and thoughts. I wish to personally thank those that have reached out to me via email, text, or phone calls to share your heartfelt wishes. Over the next few weeks, there will be other updates we wish to share with our entire NFBNJ family.

Below, my nephew, Joe's son shares his thoughts with you. If for any reason the method of sending well wishes is unworkable for you, just send an email to Janie Degenshein at jdegen16 at comcast.net and I will personally share them with my brother.

****

Thank you all for reaching out concerning my dad, Joe Ruffalo. As many of you may know he has been suffering from terrible pain for some months now. His most recent bout has kept him in the hospital since December 7th. During that time, it was diagnosed that he has cancer. We are still waiting for all the details, but early indications are that it is not a common type of cancer.

Dad has always been a fighter and is in good spirits, although very tired. I know many of you want to reach out and wish him well. The family, my mom, brother Jim and I, as well as his brother’s and sister’s appreciate this outpouring. For the time being I am asking that you do not call him. It is not that he doesn’t want to hear from you, but he needs to rest and quite frankly I have woken him up far too many times myself.

In lieu of phone calls, I have created a special website and email address where you can send him well wishes. Feel free to share a funny story or moment, an accomplishment or something positive about your life. Dad loves to hear that. My aunt Jane Degenshein and I will be reading these to him on a frequent basis. We may not be able to respond directly to everyone, but rest assured he will get your message.

Website: wishjoewell.com <http://wishjoewell.com/> 

email: wishjoewell at gmail.com

We ask that you keep both him and my mom in your thought sand prayers. Currently this is all we need and ask of you.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, 

Joey Ruffalo

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