Time and time again, Schroon Lakers unselfishly come together to help others. Many folks know that Ralph Dudley, co-owner of Alpine Pizza, has been battling brain cancer since June 2015. By his side has been in partner in life, Kristen Forrester. Now, Kristen needs our help. From Kristen:

“Since then he has developed 2 more inoperable tumors.  He is going through treatments for the last tumor but the doctor is saying this treatment works in 1 out of 3 people; it can reduce the tumor size to increase quality of life.  Prognosis is typically about 9 months, some patients may have less and some may have more time.

Ralph and I have been together since 1992.  We met in Saranac Lake, NY at his friend’s pizza shop.  Then we moved down to Schroon Lake, NY to take over his friend Jay's other pizza shop in 1992.  We have had some great times working at our shop.  Our customers are like our family to us.  We have watched kids grow up and move away but when they come back to visit they wanted "Ralph's Pizza"!  Just wanted to say Thanks so much for all that, you have already done for us.  Love, Kristin.”

More from their friend Jill Reilly:

"Hi friends! Many of us know Kristin Forrester and Ralph Dudley and if you don't know them by name you have probably ordered Pizza from their business Alpine Pizza. Ralph has been struggling with his health and there is a huge financial burden looking ahead for Kristin. Although Ralph is doing ok, he will never get better. Kristin was told he has about 9 months left. While her head is reeling from that devastating news it leaves her worrying about making future funeral arrangements and other mounting costs. We are a wonderful close-knit community and they could really use our help. I remember Kristin and Ralph always donated Pizzas for fundraisers. Kristin is in the process of getting a fundraising account set up at Glens Falls National. She has enough emotional pain and stress to deal with and a rocky road ahead where she will need her friends around her. Let us help at least relieve some of the financial stress and worry by giving any amount you can! I will post the link once the account has been set up. Please also SHARE this on your Facebook so we can reach even more people who know and love Kristin, Ralph and Alpine.

You can give by clicking this link, having Witherbee’s match your contribution or chip into the bucket at DeCesare’s Pizza. There is also a bake sale on January 21st.