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Fundraising Event To Support Dunkirk Family

A spaghetti dinner and fundraising event is scheduled for Feb. 26 at the American Legion in Dunkirk to support Joe and Linda DePasquale, who each were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other last fall. Submitted photo

DUNKIRK — A cancer diagnosis can be devastating to any family. Two separate diagnoses to the same family within weeks of each other is almost unthinkable.

Sadly, that’s the reality the DePasquale family has been forced to accept, as Joe and Linda DePasquale were each diagnosed with different forms of cancer last fall.

“I think what helps them is they have each other to focus on,” said Jennifer DePasquale, Joe and Linda’s daughter. “They can’t think about what they are going through on their own because they are thinking about the other. … It’s almost like a blessing a curse.”

Now, the public is being asked to support the husband and wife pair of well-respected members of the community.

On Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., the American Legion Post 62 at 211 Central Ave. in Dunkirk will be hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and benefit event to support Joe and Linda DePasquale during their time of need.

Joe DePasquale recently underwent surgery to address prostate cancer, but the disease has spread throughout his body and more treatment is required. On top of the cancer treatments and recovery from surgery, he is now also facing a double knee replacement in the coming months.

“Everyone knows him and I’ve never heard one bad thing about him,” said Jennifer DePasquale. She noted her father has made connections throughout the community through sports, especially from his time as an athlete and most recently as an official.

Linda DePasquale is awaiting treatment for a neuroendocrine tumor, a rare type of cancer that has traveled throughout her body. She recently began monthly treatments for her Stage IV cancer diagnosis.

“My mom is one of the nicest people ever,” Jennifer DePasquale said. “Everyone knows her from working at Walmart and Home Depot. … I’m sure plenty of people would say the same.”

Tickets for the event are $12 at the door and $10 pre-purchased. Spaghetti dinner tickets will be available for pre-sale only, but guests can still attend the benefit without a food ticket. There will also be live music from DJ Chris Rivera, a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle, and a bake sale. A group of local businesses have already contributed to the event, including the spaghetti dinner donated by Andriaccio’s in Mayville.

Tickets are available for purchase at the American Legion Post 62, the Conservation Club, the Fourth Ward Falcon Club, Matt’s News, The Fillmore, The Pink Boutique, and Shults Resale Center. For more information or to donate, contact Jennifer DePasquale at Shults Resale Center 716-363-2000.

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