Help the Russo's While Vin Fights for his Life

Vin and Frances Russo opened Joe's Alpha Dogs in Washington, NJ four years ago to give their son Joe, who has Autism, a place to work and be an active part of the community. Since then, they have not only done that for their son, but have supported the greater Autism and developmentally disabled community by working with local programs providing job-sampling opportunities. They also support our Military and Veterans by offering discounts and participating in Toys For Tots. Throughout the year, you will find them helping other groups through fundraising efforts.

As with all small restaurant owners, Covid has had quite a financial impact on them - yet they continued to fight to stay afloat; they were doing a good job too - until the family contracted Covid themselves. Fran and Joe had fairly mild symptoms and recovered quickly. Vin, however, wasn't so lucky. Instead of feeling better as time went on, Vin was getting worse. On January 9, Vin was admitted into the hospital; by the next day, he was in ICU getting ready to be put on a ventilator. Vin has been on the ventilator for over a week now. During this time, he's also had to fight a separate infection as well as some kidney issues. Although he is improving, progress is a slow process; it will be a while before he is back home and even longer until he is well enough to work at his restaurant. Joe's Alpha Dogs is the family's sole source of income, and it's been closed since the beginning of the year. Fran has her hands full at home, with her energy going towards praying for her husband to heal and come home and comforting and taking care of Joe, as he cannot fully grasp the severity of the situation and just wants his Dad back home.

Joe's Alpha Dogs sits empty while Vin lies in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. The family has no source of income at this time - but still needs to take care of the mortgage, rent, utilities on both their home and restaurant- and of course, medical bills will soon be forthcoming.

Any contribution you can make to help this family - who is always finding ways to help others - would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much.