But he narrowed his search criteria: He wanted to look for primary brain tumors, those that originate in the brain instead of resulting from another cancer, such as lung or breast cancer. Wisinski lost his wife, Janice 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. Hers was positive for an acoustic neuroma, also on the left side, also 30 millimeters, exactly the same as I had. Lupiano has been leading efforts for attention to the potential link ofbrain tumors in the community. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. All rights reserved. Angela DeCellis and her husband, Matt, and their friend Andrea Hoffman. Many of these symptoms can prove especially dangerous for those who drive or operate heavy machinery, including: If you are a graduate, current student, or staff member at Colonia High School and have developed a glioblastoma or other brain tumor, contact MLG immediately to become part of the investigation. A total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post. She basically started becoming disabled, he said. His sister Angela Decillis. People who participate in the screening will have their MRI results read by a neuro-radiologist who will then send the report to the individuals personal physician. "My wife fought like crazy. Additional information is available by visiting www.braintumorfoundation.org or calling 212- 489-0600. Others told NJ.com they want a remote learning option until the investigation is complete. 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. Earlier this month, the township approved an emergency $221,350 contract for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the time Genoni spoke to News 4 last month. "Right now we've talked to every federal and state agency possible and no one has indicated that the school is not safe," McCormac said. All Rights Reserved. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. She had an inoperable high grade tumor called anaplastic astrocytoma.". Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. The screenings are part of the foundations ongoing early detection program and research initiative, with the goal of helping people in the area discover if they have an undiagnosed brain tumor. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Air, waterand soil samples need to be taken to rule out the possibility of additional contaminants that may be acting synergistically," Lupiano said in a statement Tuesday. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Mayor sees no need for more cancer testing at Colonia High School, No radiological hazards found at Colonia High School, no further testing planned, 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. After his sister's death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a link between the Colonia. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. "It is not enough to address parents of operating school with suspected cancer cluster through written statements given to media outlets," the petition said. More than 200 people have signed an online petition demanding a public meeting with state officials in New Jersey and federal authorities over concerns about a medical mystery at a high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors. Ms.Vercoskispassion is helping underserved groups receive fair and just compensation for harm they have experienced. The outside testing may need some minor follow-up work. Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance. 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 . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. She was declining quickly, and my attention was elsewhere, Al Lupiano said. Phil Murphy told NJ.com the possible brain tumor cluster was disturbing but stressed it was too soon to make definitive conclusions about the cause. 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. At the time, the medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. (TODAY has not confirmed each individual case.) Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. Learn more about our mission, vision and values. "The nurses thought (she) was my sister-in-law because she was the one with the tumor. The school will remain open. 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. Our neurosurgical smart suite the first of its kind in California combines intraoperative MRI and a revolutionary neuro-navigation system that function together like a highly precise GPS system inside the brain, giving patients the best potential for successful outcomes. He found a total of 104 former students and faculty - about half are cancerous. Colonia High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on the school's baseball field. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called . For information about local community college classes, call Fullerton Community College at 714-992-7000. We have to really take a look at it," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. 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. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. In addition to Ms. Vercoskis medical and legal expertise in environmental areas, MLG has an in-house team of lawyers and public health professionals, including two PhDs in public health, who are ready to lead the investigation to protect current and former students and staff of Colonia High School against the fallout from this rare brain tumor. "Because cancer is a relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when there is no connection among them. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Man who spotted subway shooting suspect Frank R. James, flagged down officers speaks out, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. "I had recalled two family friends, the Black sisters, had also passed of these brain tumors," Lupiano said. 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. McCune Law Group, (MLG) Partner Michele Vercoski Leads an Investigation into the Link Between Colonia High School Alumni and a Rare Brain Tumor. They didnt think for a second that it had anything to do with a brain tumor. Ultimately, if it isnt a radiation source that is causing these illnesses, Lupiano says other tests can be done to pinpoint a cause. The St. Jude Neurosciences Institute is a nationally recognized leader in successfully treating a wide range of neurological conditions. That is, clusters of cancer can arise by chance," according to NCI. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 3 min read. Students living west of Puente to the Brea city limits are served by Fullerton Joint Union High School District and La Habra City School District (K-8). Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain Tumors, What Is Aphasia? When Wisinskis sister-in-law Cheryl Black was recovering from surgery to remove her grade 2 oligodendroglioma in 2007, his wife, Janice Wisinski, who was 29 weeks pregnant, started having a seizure in Black's hospital room, he recalled. JROTC Sports Day Competition, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cheer March Parent Meeting, 1:04 PM - 1:34 PM The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency.". As the school remains open during the investigation, some students are concerned. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. Brain tumors represent the highest per-patient initial cost of care for any cancer group with 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. Updated Apr 17, 2022 at 4:10pm. For other adult education information, call 714-526-8258. Black died in 2015, three years after her sister, when her cancer recurred. It does not store any personal data. "The last three months were just absolutely horrific.". 844-933-0296. Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. A scientist and mother is demanding answers after tests she conducted found cancer-causing toxins and materials were present at the school where more than 100 former students have since been. Football Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM All rights reserved. If you are one of the former students or staff who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, we want to hear from you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A week later, the Lupianos were at a doctors appointment and mentioned Al Lupianos acoustic neuroma 20 years earlier. 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. "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. Obviously, everyone's praying and hoping for the best," said Colonia High School junior Julia Pagnozzi. 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. It hit home with my wife that (she) needed to see a doctor and see whats going on, Al Lupiano said. 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. In many cases, this can lengthen the patients lifespan and avoid permanent damage.. A man investigating his former high school in New Jersey says he has counted 115 people who attended or worked there have had a rare brain tumor. This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. Glioblastoma can cause numerous symptoms that can affect and impair daily life. Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. 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. 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