Ellendale rallies around Diaz as he awaits lung transplant
For years, Ralph Diaz has been used to serving others in the restaurant business. But now family and friends of Diaz are hoping to turn the tables by rallying to help him save his own life.
Diaz left last week with his sister to Pittsburgh where he awaits a double lung transplant and possibly a bone marrow transplant. Pittsburgh is the only place in the United States where both transplants can be performed. He is expected to be gone for at least six months and possibly up to two years.
Diaz, who is manager of RJ’s on 5th Ave Bar and Grill in Ellendale, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in February 2019. He is currently on the list for a double lung transplant. Once he has the transplant, he will need to be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life.
While Diaz awaits his transplant, friends and family back in Ellendale are planning a benefit, Rally for Ralph, on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ellendale. There will be a drive-thru meal to go, bake sale and silent auction.
Barb Kuckenbecker, one of the organizers, said the event originally was going to be in the community center, but COVID-19 restrictions forced them out to another location. They ended up right next-door in the Pioneer shed building. “We were expecting over 1,000 people (in the community center),” she said, adding they don’t know what to expect now.
Proceeds from the benefit will help Diaz pay for medical bills, according to Kuckenbecker. Thrivent Financial will be providing some financial assistance with action cards, she said.
“Everyone is really scared for Ralph,” Kuckenbecker said. “We say lots of prayers for him and have lots of hope.”
Kuckenbecker said Diaz’s medical problems began about two years ago. He initially had a dry cough before being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. As the condition worsens, people become progressively more short of breath.
“He is looking a little rough,” Kuckenbecker said of Diaz. “He is on oxygen,” she added.
Diaz, 51, inherited the condition from his father who was 49 years old when he came down with it.
Diaz has deep connections throughout the area. He previously worked at the Village Café, Pizza Cellar and Servicemen’s Club in Blooming Prairie, owned Geneva Bar & Grill and managed the Ellendale Liquor Store before his sister purchased the business about a year ago.
“He knows so many people,” said Kuckenbecker, who purchased the Geneva Bar & Grill from Diaz in 2007.
During Diaz’s absence from RJ’s, his brother Louie has stepped up to help run the bar along with staff members.
Kuckenbecker said the community support for Diaz has been nothing short of miraculous. When a planning session was held to organize the benefit, more than 60 people showed up wanting to help. She said her initial reaction was, “oh my gosh, we can’t have all these volunteers.” They eventually settled on a core committee of five people. Joining Kuckenbecker are Kellie Mrotz, Jennelle Olson, Stephanie Kehne and Ruth Hagen.
Kuckenbecker said the rally benefit won’t be the only event to help Diaz. They plan to do other fundraisers over the next year. “We’re going to keep the events rolling for him,” she said.
Donations can also be mailed to First National Bank in Ellendale, P.O. Box 337, Ellendale, MN 56026 or Go Fund Me “Rally for Ralph.”
RALLY FOR RALPH
What: Benefit for Ralph Diaz
When: Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Just east of the bank on Main
Street in Ellendale
Donations: FNB Ellendale % Rally for Ralph
P.O. Box 337
Ellendale, MN 56026