In Times of Need, Northeast Pennsylvania comes to the aid of its own. In our regular column, Patrice Wilding provides a platform for area residents facing a variety of obstacles to create awareness and connect them with much-needed help.
Who: Family members describe William Patrick “Sonny” Ogden as “one of a kind.” The lively, dependable and hardworking 85-year-old from Scranton recently retired as a maintenance supervisor for Quality Building Services and supports his wife of 46 years, Barbara, with a great deal of love. Ogden is a true family man to his children, Mark, Greg, Jeff and D’Anna, and his 12 grandchildren. He’s also well regarded in the community thanks to his many years coaching Green Ridge Little League, which immersed him in his favorite pastime, baseball. He also is known for his other hobbies, including bowling, golfing and fishing. Ogden was diagnosed with stage IV liposarcoma — a rare, aggressive form of cancer — and has already undergone 17 rounds of radiation treatment, yet he remains someone his loved ones really look up to.
What: Donations payable to William Ogden may be sent to 614 Glenn St., Scranton, PA 18509. Supporters also have organized a pasta dinner benefit in his honor, which also will feature a cash bar, 50/50 and basket raffles. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger and are available by calling Jeff Ogden at 570-880-8458 or D’Anna VanBuskirk at 570-313-1188, or at the door.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Twentieth Ward, 2028 Pittston Ave., Scranton
Why: Proceeds will be used to offset medical and other expenses related to Ogden’s ongoing treatment.
In his own words: “The support from family, friends and the community is amazing. I am truly overwhelmed with the love and support I am receiving, especially from the community. I am absolutely blessed and will forever be grateful for the support.” — Sonny Ogden
Update
Donations are still being accepted for diabetes patient Robert Stranieri, who faces mounting medical bills following complications from his surprise diagnosis of ketoacidosis, through GoFundMe.com and or by sending to checks payable to payable to Robert or Elizabeth Stranieri to 605 Hickory St., Old Forge, PA 18518.
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
