Joe & Ana Ruffino Fund

For those of you lucky enough to know Joe Ruffino, you know that for years he fed the body and often minds of those visiting Ruffino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, located on Main Street in downtown Oneonta, New York, with good food and good conversation. Since 1972, thousands of hungry Oneonta-area residents and college students have enjoyed wonderful food and fellowship in this Oneonta landmark. Since closing in 2017, Joe and his wife Ana relocated to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he took his 45 years of experience serving his community in central New York and began to share it with those in their new community. San Miguel de Allende was a perfect host for the new chapter of their lives together. However, the adage that things can change in a second could not be more true for Joe and Ana.

On the morning of Sunday, November 27, 2022, Ana could not move upon waking from her night’s rest. She lost all ability to move her extremities. An ambulance was called, and Ana was transported to a local hospital, where her condition began to deteriorate rapidly. Ana was stricken with a rapidly progressing case of Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a rare and debilitating disorder where the body’s immune system begins to attack the nerves in one’s own body. In some extreme cases, the victim loses the ability to breathe or even swallow. Unfortunately, this is how this condition has progressed with Ana, who is currently intubated in the Intensive Care Unit.

The expenses to address and meet Ana’s needs are increasing exponentially. We are confident that through love and prayer, Ana will experience a full restoration of her health. As such, please keep these two wonderful people close to your hearts as they navigate through this terribly challenging situation. But for those who might be willing and able to contribute financially via this GoFundMe created to help Joe and Ana offset the costs of this incredibly critical health care, you are a Godsend. After Ana convalesces through this critical stage, the lengthy and costly recovery and rehabilitation process will begin. Your generosity will help offset these expenses.

Our deepest gratitude extends to anyone offering support to Ana and Joe at this time, financial and/or prayerful. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.