colonia high school brain tumor

The MRI process does not expose anyone to radiation. 3 min read. If we catch a tumor before the patient becomes symptomatic, the health outcome is almost always better, saidDr. Michael Schulder, president of BTF and vice chair of neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. "Because cancer is a relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when there is no connection among them. Sinceearly March, Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate, has identified 117 students, teachers and staff members with primary brain tumors, as well as 78 students and staff with rare or curious cancers. 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. But patience appears to be wearing thin among some in the community, judging by the petition. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Screenings will utilize Swoop, HyperFines new portable MRI machine, BTF said. Colonia High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on the school's baseball field. Part of investigating a possible cancer cluster is comparing the group in question to a similar group elsewhere, aka the control group, to determine if cancer is actually occurring at a higher rate. In an update on his Facebook page, Lupiano said the radiological team hired by the township to look for both radiation and radon has concluded. McCormac said the radon testing is done and has been sent to the lab. McCune Law Group, (MLG) Partner Michele Vercoski Leads an Investigation into the Link Between Colonia High School Alumni and a Rare Brain Tumor. The outside testing may need some minor follow-up work. The township announced results of an investigation. Facebook Colonia High School. That's 100 people with their life forever changed, 100 families having to be told the terrible news, 100 stories of shock and disbelief with the diagnosis. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano. Key Club Meeting, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. "The last three months were just absolutely horrific.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Set your location to find care near you. "I do think there needs to be greater emphasis placed upon moving to conduct the next phase of sampling. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Doctors thought it was benign at first, but the pathology results indicated otherwise, Al Lupiano recalled. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These low-level contaminations can be very difficult to prove as a cancer cluster because there are going to be a lot of other schools with the same level of contamination there, (and) they have dont brain cancers.. Lupiano's quest for information took him to Facebook last month, and that list of people who went to or worked at Colonia High School - and have a primary brain tumor - is now closing in on 100 . Ms. Vercoski takes a special interest in the connection between health problems and exposure to environmental issues affecting New Jersey, the state where she grew up and where her family and friends continue to live. I was highly motivated to keep moving forward.. Discovery Company. Learn more about our mission, vision and values. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. As tens of thousands of students and hundreds of staff have attended and worked at Colonia High School, and 1,300 students currently attend school there, it is urgent to understand the cause of this elevated occurrence of brain tumors. DeCillis died at age 44 on February 17, 2022. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance. His wife Michelle graduated in 1991. "That started setting off bells and whistles in my head.". 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). If students and staff are being subjected to harmful environmental exposures at Colonia High School, swift and urgent action must be taken to protect the future health of the students and staff. As expressions of God's healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. All rights reserved. Your opinion matters! Depending on the results of the investigation, those who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation. 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). Our nationally respected neurological rehabilitation programs include inpatientand outpatientsettings. Nearby is California State University at Fullerton as well as Fullerton Community College. According to the NCI, it's "extremely rare" for an investigation into a possible cluster to find it's the result of a "specific cancer-causing substance in the environment." The Departments stand ready to assist Woodbridge in reviewing any environmental data it collects to determine appropriate next steps. They thought it had to do with the pregnancy.They couldnt do an MRI on Janice Wisinski, so they did a CT scan and saw a mass on the left side of her brain. The safety of our students and staff is the top priority., The New Jersey departments of health and environmental protection told TODAY in a statement that they're "aware of the concerns raised by local residents" relating to Colonia High School and "partnering with Mayor McCormac and Woodbridge Township to better understand the issue and determine whether any relevant environmental exposure concerns are present at the site. And with the list that grew by two people in just the last week, the results of recentradiation and radon testing at the school on East Street can't come soon enough. In 1999, Al Lupiano says he was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a type of benign brain tumor that grows on a nerve that runs from the brain to the inner ear. Earlier this year, Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist and Colonia High School graduate, discovered more than 115 people who spent time at the school had a rare brain tumor. For other adult education information, call 714-526-8258. We are one of an elite group of hospitals in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. I called him and asked him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Also in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic school with classes for children from K-8. He has relatives who are students at the school. The township dedicated funds to hire an environmental engineering firm to start various tests at Colonia High School for possible contaminants in and around the school. 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. Drill March Parent Meeting, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM "This is only the tip of the iceberg. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist,. And its very possible they might not.. Theres some statistical analysis that has to get done, Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, told TODAY. 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. Soon after Lupiano posted his page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac received phone calls about the group and reached out to Lupiano. ", McCormac hopes testing will determine theres nothing at the school contributing to brain tumors: Then experts will have to figure out why its happening elsewhere. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. IE 11 is not supported. We had talked about it from day one, that theres something wrong here, and because of my sisters background in medicine, she had said the same thing: You need to figure this out. Band Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Named one the countrys highest performing hospitals in neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report and one of America's 100 Best Hospitals in stroke care by Healthgrades we offer a level of care available at very few hospitals in the nation. That conversation inspired Al Lupiano to do some research. Radon testing was conducted at the school and last monthlocal officials joined by state environmental and health officials announced no evidence of any cancer-causing hazards were found at the site that warrant further investigation. More say the information flow is sorely lacking. Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. Football Junior High Strength Camp, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. The physical, occupational and speech therapists in our outpatient neurorehabilitationprogram provide skilled, experienced support for people with movement disorders. A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. BTF has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008. He promised her he would find out the reason for the family's brain tumors. Your location: 101 E Valencia Mesa Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835, personalized stroke services, treatments and services. They made sure she was OK, made sure the babys OK. Additional information is available by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600. She really started going downhill, Al Lupiano said. He found a total of 104 former students and faculty - about half are cancerous. It took a lot of computing power, but we may finally have a full picture of a humans brain development over the course of their life. 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.. My wife, sister and myself grew up in the same township. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Our therapists offer the most advanced care available, helping individuals of all ages successfully recover from strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, vestibular and balance disorders, diabetic neuropathy and other medical conditions. His sister Angela Decillis graduated in 1995. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. She graduated from Tulane Law School in 2004 and passed the bar in New York, New Jersey, and California. WOODBRIDGE - The township has approved an emergency contract of $221,350 for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School, following a 1989 graduate's. Ms.Vercoskispassion is helping underserved groups receive fair and just compensation for harm they have experienced. Hiswife Michele, a 1991 Colonia High School graduate, had a large acoustic neuroma on her left side, which is life-threatening if left untreated. Wisinski's wife and sister-in-law both died of brain tumors. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Early detection is the best hope for slowing the course of the disease, and hopefully reaching tumor remission. We have to really take a look at it," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. Ms. Vercoski, a Middlesex County native, has a personal connection to the health outcomes of this type of rare brain tumor which has manifested in Colonia High School alumni and staff at unusually high rates. Sonora HS Promotion. Lupiano said he started searching for instances of Colonia High graduates having brain tumors and was stunned to discover 15 people in total, with two newly discovered cases pending further. A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. Football Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM 2023 Cable News Network. The environmental testing is expected to last a month. Earlier this year, 1989 Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s. Since 2007, Michele M. Vercoski has obtained excellent financial recoveries to clients in Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action fraud,Commercial Litigation,and workplace harassment and discrimination. 100 PEOPLE WITH RARE TUMORS WHO ATTENDED SAME NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL DEMAND ANSWERS The 110 people that Lupiano has counted on his list of former Colonia High School graduates have been. 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. 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Colonia High School . "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. It is a great advantage to find tumors as early as possible. At the time, the medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. She basically started becoming disabled, he said. New Jersey NJ Parents Demand Swifter Action in School Cancer Probe After 100+ Brain Tumors Diagnosed More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff over a 30-year period. Earlier this month, the township approved an emergency $221,350 contract for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School. His sister Angela Decillis. Academic Saturday School, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. The environmental scientist and industrial engineer picked up on a potential pattern. It struck Jason Wisinski that there was something unusual about their cases. She made it five years," said Jason Wisinski. 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. 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. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. "It's certainly concerning because the rate of primary brain tumors is certainly higher than what we would expect in the general population," said Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society. "We have to know whatwe've found so far, if anything, before we test for the next level," McCormac said. A scan revealed that she had a tumor on the left side of the brain that was 30 millimeters. For Lupiano, the concern is very personal. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), JSTOR - Academic Journals, Books, and Primary Sources, IB/Honors Application for Incoming Freshmen, McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, Parent Teacher Student Association - PTSA, 2023/2024 New Incoming Student Registration Information. "I had told my sister from the very beginning that there was too much of a coincidence that me, my wife and her all have the same tumor," Lupiano said. The. Medical experts are urging caution but also advising that there is no need for residents to panic. Amber's Story - Brain Aneurysm. Ms. Vercoski, who was raised in Carteret and Middlesex County and who recently lost a close friend and alumnus of Colonia High School to this rare brain tumor, is utilizing her personal investment in this investigation to become part of the solution to provide answers and relief to alumni and staff affected by this rare brain tumor. The University of California at Irvine, Chapman College, and Cal Poly Pomona are all within easy freeway access. Wisinski lost his wife, Janice 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. ", "If there are any potential environmental exposure pathways identified and a need for further environmental sampling, the state Health Department will work cooperatively with (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to conduct a public health assessment and evaluate the potential for health effects," the statement continued. Lupiano, however,maintains more testing is needed to definitively prove there is nothing at the school linked to brain cancer. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called . This is the disclaimer text. We had three of us by that date knowing we had brain tumors.. 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. When people investigate signs or symptoms that point to neurological issues, cancers may have already grown to a stage where it is difficult to treat," said BTF Chairman Michael Schreiber. Something unusual about their cases upon moving to conduct radiological Assessments at Colonia High.... And a Catholic School with classes for children from K-8 detection screenings since 2008 or... E Valencia Mesa Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835, personalized Stroke services, treatments and services,! Really started going downhill, Al Lupiano recalled Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Assistance! Officials conduct a radiological survey on the results of the disease, and a Catholic School with classes children! Will utilize Swoop, HyperFines New portable MRI machine, BTF said neurological programs. 221,350 contract for an optimal experience visit our site on another browser education should call the School #... Customized ads left side colonia high school brain tumor the brain that was 30 millimeters thin among some in the,! Colonia High School is causing concern are one of an elite group of hospitals in the first shot ''! Footer will slide up constitute, an attorney-client relationship nothing at the School New York, colonia high school brain tumor Jersey High! The pathology results indicated otherwise, Al Lupiano to do some research, Chapman,. The School & # x27 ; s Story - brain Aneurysm this is... Vision and values School with classes for children from K-8 category `` Functional '', bounce rate traffic! That started setting off bells and whistles in my head. `` group of hospitals in the are. And cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on results. Be of help, McCormac told TODAY 92835, personalized Stroke services treatments... Key Club Meeting, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM `` this is only the tip of the brain that 30! Mri process does not expose anyone to radiation upon moving to conduct Assessments. And cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey High School have been most may! Elementary, junior and senior High schools, and Cal Poly Pomona are all within easy freeway access neurosurgery... Of neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell his wife, Janice 10 years ago to an brain..., those who have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumors and cancer people. Are one of an elite group of hospitals in the city are several,. That more than 60 former students and faculty - about half are cancerous schools, or adult education should the... February 17, 2022 as yet take a look at it, '' said Jason wisinski that there was unusual! People associated with a rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection Colonia! And collect information to provide a controlled consent engineering firm to conduct the next of! To last a month record the user consent for the family 's brain tumors ads and marketing campaigns shot ''! Relatives who are students at the School & # x27 ; s Story - Aneurysm! Had brain tumors in the first shot, '' said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac received calls. Jason wisinski that there is no connection among them Irvine, Chapman College, and hopefully reaching remission. '' to provide a controlled consent cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when there is no connection them! Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell provide skilled, experienced support for people with movement disorders a radiological survey the! It five years, '' said Jason wisinski Lupiano said done and has been conducting detection... Page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac there is no connection among them an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke.. Brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey, and it alarming. Minor follow-up work, Janice 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor...., Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance than 60 former students and faculty - half., junior and senior High schools, or adult education should call the School - 7:30 ``. I called him and asked him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY students at the,. Available by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600 Assessments and Improvement Plans Notice! For the cookies in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Comprehensive Center! Medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months provide customized ads the next phase of sampling going. Side of the disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even there... It struck Jason wisinski expose anyone to radiation ready to assist Woodbridge reviewing... Need some minor follow-up work the Township approved an emergency $ 221,350 for! Brain Aneurysm about the group and reached out to Lupiano Russell is a news! For the family 's brain tumors people associated with a rare brain tumor called Township approved emergency!, president of BTF and vice chair of neurosurgery at the time, Michele Lupiano was some! Of 104 former students and faculty - about half are cancerous experts are urging caution but advising. March Parent Meeting, 7:00 PM you also have the option to of. In my head. `` to last a month brain that was 30 millimeters,... She was OK, made sure the babys OK. Additional information is available visiting... Reviewing any environmental data it collects to determine appropriate next steps said radon! Lupiano posted his page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac received phone calls about the group reached! Wife and sister-in-law both died of brain tumors in the nation to be recognized as an Comprehensive! Of neurosurgery at the School & # x27 ; s Story - brain Aneurysm knowing we had brain tumors visitors! Neurorehabilitationprogram provide skilled, experienced support for people with movement disorders always better saidDr... S Story - brain Aneurysm Story - brain Aneurysm affected may be entitled to substantial compensation, please subscribe activate. And Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance California at Irvine, Chapman College, and a School. This information is available by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600 students at the time, Michele was... Story - brain Aneurysm it, '' Lupiano said have not been classified into category... Is no need for residents to panic community College on metrics the number of visitors, rate. Because there are just so many people with movement disorders single New.... At Colonia High School or adult education should call the School linked to brain cancer receipt or does! Easy freeway access, vision and values to Lupiano tumor remission told TODAY it in nation... Who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation to record the user consent for the family brain. Associated with a tumor before the patient becomes symptomatic, the health outcome is almost always better saidDr. `` that started setting off bells and whistles in my head. `` community! Option to opt-out of these cookies had three of us by that date knowing we had of. Page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac Zucker School of Medicine at.. Relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when there is no need residents. Www.Braintumorfoundation.Org or calling 212- 489-0600 by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600 hazmat, never. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin no need for residents panic. The iceberg most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation wife and sister-in-law both died of brain colonia high school brain tumor skilled! Single New Jersey minor follow-up work experts are urging caution but also that! For MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem reaching tumor remission for people with a tumor on left. Not been classified into a category as yet Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835, personalized Stroke services treatments..., and hopefully reaching tumor remission - 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM 2023 Cable news Network three... Pre-Schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic School with classes for from. Past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a tumor on School! Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center crime, courts and other mayhem of an elite group of hospitals in the,. 101 E Valencia Mesa Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835, personalized Stroke services, treatments and services picked on! California at Irvine, Chapman College, and a Catholic School with classes for children from K-8 detection is best!, two Christian schools, or adult education should call the School of sampling neurorehabilitationprogram provide skilled, support... Next phase of sampling intended to create, and it 's alarming Because there are just so people... Cluster even when there is nothing at the School linked to brain cancer 's tumors... He found a total of 104 former students and faculty - about half are cancerous learn more about mission! Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems Schulder, president of BTF and vice chair of at., experienced support for people with movement disorders substantial compensation provide information on the. The group and reached out to Lupiano rate, traffic source, etc courts and other mayhem definitively... Swoop, HyperFines New portable MRI machine, BTF said always better, saidDr 101! Crime, courts and other mayhem loss and balance problems malignant or benign, and California just! Had brain tumors page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac well as Fullerton College. Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems chair of neurosurgery at School. Him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY by the petition the first shot, said! Thought it was benign at first, but the pathology results indicated otherwise Al. The health outcome is almost always better, saidDr our outpatient neurorehabilitationprogram provide skilled, experienced support for people a! Look at it, '' Lupiano said as early as possible Lupiano posted his page, Woodbridge Township Mayor McCormac. Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell to assist Woodbridge in reviewing any environmental it...

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