Ralph Marino

Ralph's Marino has been a friend of mine for over 50 years. He is the most incredible person you could ever meet. When he was 19 years old he was primed to be a major league baseball player. He was drafted by the Pittsbugh Pirates back in the late 60's. But it was never to happen due to a tragic accident he suffered during a summer league baseball game. He was a catcher on the team and there was play at home plate, where the runner on the opposing team was running down the 3rd base line heading home where Ralph was protecting home plate to prevent the runner from scoring. That is when the unthinkable happened. Ralph crouched and braced himself for the collision that was about to take place. As the runner got closer Ralph put his head down and collided with the runner breaking his vertebrae and paralyzing him from the neck down.
He never walked again. He is 100% dependent on others taking care of him. However, Ralph's determination to live with this severe handicap and continue his life on a daily basis was and still is remarkable! Ralph pursued his education, got his degree and became a counselor and a basketball coach for over 25 years at North Bergen High School in Hudson County, NJ.  After retirement he began to do motivational speaking at local schools for very little money. Sometimes just for transportation.
At this stage in his life he is basically running out of money to pay around the clock home care. It can cost approximately $75,000 a year.
I am starting this fundraiser with the goal of raising $50,000 which would help somewhat but would not be nearly enough. But we have to start some place. Please give what ever you can to :
Mr. Ralph Marino 
27 Rumson Court
Waretown NJ 08758