Dryden firefighters are hosting a benefit dinner to help one of their own, Ralph Starke, who’s battling cancer.
DRYDEN — In August, Dryden volunteer firefighter and medical first responder, Ralph Starke was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His diagnosis was followed by an extensive surgery to remove the cancer.
Fellow first responder Jim Napolitano shared how incredible Ralph is and what an asset he is to the community.
“If Ralph is available, day or night, he responds to every call,” Napolitano said.
Ralph’s wife, Linda is an active part of the fire department as well, and a member of the Auxiliary.
His colleague on the fire department, Nathan Denryter, was also recently diagnosed with cancer.
“Not only has Nate served our community, he has served our country in the Air Force and had four tours in Afghanistan,” Chief Mark Hagemeister said in a Facebook post.
A Bowling and Euchre fundraiser for Denryter will be held at Hideaway Lanes in Almont on Friday, Dec. 6 starting at 6 p.m. When Ralph was given the news that no one wants to hear, he simultaneously lost his job. Napolitano said “losing his job meant Ralph had to face cancer with no insurance.” His fellow firefighters want to do everything they can to help out with mounting expenses and medical bills. In order to do this, they organized a spaghetti dinner that will take place this Wednesday, Dec 11 at the Dryden Wesleyan Church from 5-8 p.m.
Napolitano said that in addition to dinner, guests can get in on a 50/50 raffle that night too. Takeouts will also be served.
Cost is a $10 donation per plate.
The church is located at 5274 W. Main Street in Dryden.
Hagemeister said the department has plans to host a spaghetti dinner for Denryter sometime in January.
