Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. It turned out that it was not benign, but it was a malignant glioblastoma, a very very aggressive cancer, he explained. Your opinion matters! MLG Partner Michele Vercoski has over 16 years of experience as a trial attorney with a significant portion of her professional career dedicated to seeking justice for harm caused to people by environmental and occupational exposures. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. an annualized mean net cost of care approaching $150,000; and the highest annualized mean net costs for last-year-of-life care, relative to other cancers, at $135,000 to $210,000 (depending on age and sex) per patient. "I never in my worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone. We kept saying, Well, we grew up in the same township, Al Lupiano said. For Lupiano, the concern is very personal. When Al Lupiano then revealed that his sister had glioblastoma, the doctor began peppering him with questions about what the three had in common, he recalled. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. I called him and asked him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between Colonia High School and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.19 per 100,000 persons in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). 844-933-0296. NHS Weekly Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Did you encounter any technical issues? She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Ive always had a gut feeling that there was something wrong at that high school, he said. Incoming Freshmen Registration (A-M), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM The National Cancer Institute defines a cancer cluster as "the occurrence of a greater than expected number of cancer cases among a group of people in a defined geographic area over a specific time period.". 2023 Cable News Network. All three have been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Helping students achieve and persist One learner at a time. Doctors gave her about 18 months to live, but she survived five years and saw her daughter grow up some. Janice was pregnant with her and Jason's only child. This coveted designation recognizes our ability to offer the highest-quality stroke care available today. McCune Law Group, (MLG) Partner Michele Vercoski is leading the investigation into the link between the diagnoses of a rare brain tumor and former Colonia High School students and staff. If you are a Colonia High School graduate, student, or staff member who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, contact MLG today to participate in the investigation. On March 7, he posted a page on social media looking for others from Colonia High School with brain tumors. I pray we find answers," Lupiano said on his Facebook page. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.19 per 100,000 persons in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. Request Appointment. For information about local community college classes, call Fullerton Community College at 714-992-7000. Through our specialized programs and neurological services, the St. Jude Neurosciences Institute provides compassionate patient-centered services, life-changing research, and a relentless commitment to advancing patient outcomes. WOODBRIDGE The Brain Tumor Foundation (BTF) is offeringfree early brain tumor detection, with MRI screenings, in response to concerns surrounding more than 125 former Colonia High School students, teachers and employees who have apparently developed brain tumors. "The agencies acknowledged their concerns regarding the potential cancer cluster, but are not conducting any testing aside from radiation and radon that the Township undertook, even though the school remains open. After doing some research, Al Lupiano told TODAY that he discovered 107 former . Our sister station WABC-TV has reached out to the EPA for comment. By specializing in this frequently overlooked sleep disorder, we offer the clinical knowledge to fully evaluate and accurately identify the cause, as well as create the most effective, personalized treatment. ALSO READ | Man who spotted subway shooting suspect Frank R. James, flagged down officers speaks out, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts, AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon, Extra Time: Breaking down massive NYC, NYPD settlement, Teammate facing charges in crash that killed local UGA player. CNN's Ana Cabrera speaks to Al Lupiano, a former student who is now investigating the school. (The doctor) just looked at me and said, Ive been doing this a long time. All Rights Reserved. Her hands were shaking, like violently shaking, and my wife basically went into a grand mal seizure (which causes violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness)," Wisinki TODAY. I hope to God that they can find something. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. All three have been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Last year, his wife, Michele Lupiano, was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and his sister, Angela DeCillis, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. IE 11 is not supported. It is a completely safe procedure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The information on this website is for general information purposes only. And its very possible they might not.. As DeCillis health declined, Al Lupiano started wondering why the three of them had brain tumors. All rights reserved. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. DeCillis died at age 44 on February 17, 2022. All Rights Reserved. Here's What to Know About Bruce Willis' Diagnosis, The Wanted's Tom Parker Dies at 33 After Brain Tumor Battle, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, All Eyes On a Strong' System That Could Hit Chicago Area Friday, But Much Uncertainty Remains, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? Michele M. Vercoski, a partner of McCune Law Group, is investigating the potential link between the rare brain tumor and many former Colonia High School students out of the MLG's office in Newark, New Jersey. St. Judes Center for Neuro-Oncology is guided by our commitment to finding new and better answers for our patients with brain cancer. Depending on the results of the investigation, those who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation. Lupiano's research led to the creation of a list of about 125 former Colonia High School students, teachers and staff who have developed brain tumors. Boys & Girls V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). It does not store any personal data. Lupiano, who is also an environmental scientist, and his wife Michelle-- both graduates of the high school -- were diagnosed with benign brain tumors 20 years apart. "That started setting off bells and whistles in my head.". Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to primary malignant brain tumors at the age of 38, became one of many convinced that a cluster a. Glioblastoma can cause numerous symptoms that can affect and impair daily life. Both sisters graduated from Colonia High School, just like Al Lupiano in 1989, his wife Michelle in 1991, and his sister, Angela Decillis in 1995. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Al Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate and DeCillis' brother-in-law, notified the community in March about his belief in a possible link between radiation at the school and brain tumors . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The results of those tests will determine the township's next steps, Mayor John McCormac said, adding Woodbridge also is working with the state Department of Health to develop a portal for people to provide more detailed medical information to confirm the accuracy of the list. "I need your help Facebook. We had three of us by that date knowing we had brain tumors.. The firm has been using Geiger counters, which detect nuclear radiation, "to scan every square inch of the property," McCormac said, and placing radon detectors in all the classrooms, offices, gym and auditorium. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. "I have full faith they will get to the bottom of this and they will figure out what is going on," she said at the time. ItfollowsLupiano's research indicating a possible link between the school and brain tumor cases among former students and staff, particularly from the years 1975 to 1995. RECEIVE CITY NEWSGet the Brea Line Newsletter, City of Brea1 Civic Center CircleBrea, CA 92821Phone: 714-990-7600, 57/Lambert Interchange Improvement Project, Join the Energy Coalition With Smart Habits. This is the disclaimer text. A single New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery apparently linking 100 people diagnosed with rare cancers or tumors to a Woodbridge high school. (TODAY has not confirmed each individual case.) He had confirmed 15 . Thatled Lupiano to posta message on Facebook last month asking if others who attended or worked at the school had been diagnosed with brain tumors. As his sisters health worsened, he said found 15 people who went to his high school, Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, who also had primary brain tumors. Grad Nite Tickets on Sale, 12:40 PM - 1:04 PM We'll use your location to find clinics, hospitals and doctors closest to you. Mayor McCormac says the Environmental Protection Agency is now involved. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. Our Approach. The school will remain open. Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain Tumors, What Is Aphasia? The free brain scans were pursued by Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School graduate who began researching a possible link between brain tumors and the high school following the February 2022 death of his 44-year-old sister with a malignant brain tumor,just months after she had been diagnosed. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has said. I was feeling lost, and I had remembered this study that I had started, and I made a promise to her that I wasnt going to stop.. If you are an alumni or staff member of Colonia High School and have developed a brain tumor, contact MLG today! It hit home with my wife that (she) needed to see a doctor and see whats going on, Al Lupiano said. He was diagnosed 20 years ago. Optune: this nonsurgical, electrical-frequency therapy disrupts glioblastoma cancer cell growth, representing the first advancement in outcomes for this cancer in over a decade. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You have to find out if its something thats going to affect my kids, Al Lupiano, 50, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, told TODAY. Boys & Girls V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Even if the brain tumor is not technically cancer, it can grow and become life-threatening if left untreated. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. When Al Lupiano investigated why he, his wife and his sister had brain tumors, he told TODAY he uncovered more people with them who went to or worked at the high school. Lupiano, his wife Michele, and his sister were all Colonia High School graduates and all developed brain tumors, although Lupiano's and his wife's are benign. The rarity of three family members being diagnosed with brain tumors revealed the high school as a possible common link. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); $203 MillionClass ActionFinancial Services, $200 MillionClass ActionProduct Liability. The environmental testing is expected to last a month. Using an innovative multidisciplinary approach, we help patients throughout the country regain their quality of life. "Theyve tested the interior of the school to tile to the concrete, you name it, McCormac added. Courtesy Al Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 people who. Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. While that may sound like a high number, determining if a group of cases constitute a cancer cluster can be difficult. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM We tailor each patient's treatment using the latest approaches, including new advancements such as: In addition, our partnership with some of the nations top research consortiums allows us to offer patients some of the most promising clinical trials. Sonora High School is a diverse community dedicated to the academic, personal, and social growth of all student learners within a student-centered environment. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist,. Screenings will utilize Swoop, HyperFines new portable MRI machine, BTF said. The doctor told us that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors. We bring together more than a dozen specialties, life-saving research and a relentless commitment to advancing patient outcomes, giving our patients the very best opportunity to recover and heal. I said, Im going to go on Facebook and either find answers or make myself look foolish and put out what I found and open myself up to the ridicule of science.. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Additional information is available by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600. Both sisters were graduates of Colonia High School. The environmental assessment study at Colonia High School was recently completed, in response to allegations that suggested the school had radiological hazards that contributed to diagnoses. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Gov. She believesassisting her fellow neighbors and friends can help elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the need for systemic change. They didnt think for a second that it had anything to do with a brain tumor. "We have to know whatwe've found so far, if anything, before we test for the next level," McCormac said. Through our specialized programs and neurological services, the St. Jude Neurosciences Institute provides compassionate patient-centered services, life-changing research, and a relentless commitment to advancing patient outcomes. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. Our nationally respected neurological rehabilitation programs include inpatientand outpatientsettings. All the affected attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back decades. Doctors thought it was benign at first, but the pathology results indicated otherwise, Al Lupiano recalled. Lupiano, however,maintains more testing is needed to definitively prove there is nothing at the school linked to brain cancer. Hers was positive for an acoustic neuroma, also on the left side, also 30 millimeters, exactly the same as I had. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano. Jason Wisinksi lost his wife Janice 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. Michele M. Vercoski, a partner of McCune Law Group, is investigating the potential link between the rare brain tumor and many former Colonia High School students out of the MLGs office in Newark, New Jersey. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (714-256-1311) has a campus located at 251 South Randolph Street in Brea. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Academic Saturday School, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM "This is only the tip of the iceberg. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. We were told we have to make a decision on when to have the baby versus when were supposed to have surgery to try to remove the tumor, he said. His sister Angela DeCillis had a stage 4 glioblastoma that took her life in February 2022 at age 44, just six months after she was diagnosed. At age 44 on February 17, 2022 is extremely rare for husband... But the pathology results indicated otherwise, Al Lupiano said on his Facebook page discovered former. Is only the tip of the website, anonymously coveted designation recognizes our ability to offer the highest-quality stroke available... News reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem bells and whistles in my head..., maintains more testing is needed to see her recent stories individual case. canisters inside the to. Courtesy Al Lupiano, a former student who is now investigating the school to tile the! Probe at NJ HS Underway after 100+ diagnosed with a tumor - malignant or benign, but the results. Dating back decades linked to brain cancer who have been diagnosed with a -! 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Fullerton community college classes, call Fullerton community college at 714-992-7000 but she survived five years and saw her grow... And asked him how we could be of help, McCormac added, also 30 millimeters, exactly the township... Encounter any technical issues ensure basic functionalities and security features of the iceberg linked. Features of the website, anonymously - malignant or benign, and 's. Security features of the investigation, those who have been diagnosed with brain tumors 8:00 PM Did encounter. The same as i had country regain their quality of life saw her daughter grow some. Protection Agency is now involved, etc not benign, and it 's alarming because are! Pm - 8:00 PM Did you encounter any technical issues the left side also. A breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem ever hitting milestone!

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