COARSEGOLD — Volunteers behind the monthly charitable dinner, Helping One Woman (HOW) are preparing to honor local resident Amber Tringali, who is struggling financially and emotionally after her husband was diagnosed with a fatal disorder a year ago.
“Amber has been living living in the mountains for the majority of her life,” say organizers. “She has been married for ten years to the love of her life, David, and has three wonderful children.”
On Sept. 29, 2015, Davis was diagnosed with Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), known commonly as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles, according to the ALS Association. On average, patients with ALS live two to five years after diagnosis.
“Based on U.S. population studies, a little over 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year,” the ALS organization notes. “That’s 15 new cases a day. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.”
Amber has become her husband’s caregiver and support system for her family, say HOW sponsors.
“Today, Amber is emotionally and financially exhausted and feels like giving up. She has quit her job as a therapist for CPS foster care in Fresno County to stay home and care for her husband. She has drained her bank accounts to pay the bills which are stacking up. A large portion of David’s medical needs are not covered by insurance.”
Amber has been a rock of support for her family, they say, but now is in desperate need of support herself.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the mountain community to surround her with emotional and financial support.”
The event is set for Alphonso’s Hideaway in Coarsegold on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m.
Organizers offer their thanks in advance for passing the word by sharing the event and attending with your friends. If you have donations for the prize drawing, please let the HOW team know.
Those participating in the HOW benefit dinner place $10 or more toward a contribution for Amber, and pay for their own dinners. Proceeds from the evening go directly to the month’s recipient — Amber for September -— at the end of the evening.
Men, women, and children are all welcome. The $10 suggested donation at the door affords each participant a door prize ticket. 100% of funds raised go directly to Amber.
“Our dinner at Alfonso’s will be done differently,” say HOW members. “The charge for food will be $13 which includes a drink. There will be four options to choose from: chicken tostada with a flour bowl, two enchiladas with ground beef, rice and beans, chili verde wet burrito with pork or a burger and fries. If you are vegetarian choose the chicken tostada without chicken and they will add more vegetables.” Alfonso’s Hideaway
Kids can order off the kids menu, they add, or split a meal.
“Please call Nancy @ tokens 559-658-5428 with the number in your party. Alphonso’s doesn’t do reservations, but we like to give them an idea of how many will be attending so they can be prepared.”
How members believe that “one woman giving $10 can buy another woman’s lunch. Ten women giving $10 can buy another woman’s groceries. One hundred women giving $10 can change another woman’s life. This is how HOW works.”
Helping One Woman (HOW) Oakhurst on Facebook
