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WILTON, Conn. Frank Razzaia joked with other members of the Wilton Police Department about the lump on his neck when he discovered it in April. You dont think its going to be cancer when youre 28 years old, Razzaia said. I went to a doctor, and all of a sudden, everybody put the pedal to the metal.
Stamford native and Bethel resident, Razzaia, now 29, is battling stage three lymphoma. The Wilton Police Department Benevolent Association will hold a fundraiser Thursday at Ponus Yacht Club in Stamford from 6 to 10 p.m. to help Razzaia with medical costs. Tickets are $30 for dinner. There will also be raffle drawings and auctions.
Razzaia is the father of two boys, ages 2 and 3. His wife, Diana, is expecting the couples third child at any moment.
He has been working on the midnight shift since joining the force six years ago but has not been able to work since he started treatments.
I was probably in the best shape of my life, Razzaia said. I ran a couple of 5Ks, I did my 25 minutes and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Then all of a sudden you go from there to being sick. Its kind of scary. If I didnt feel that lump, I never would have known.
Chemotherapy treatments have been particularly taxing, he said. He has been getting treatments every two weeks on Wednesdays. Im in bed until Sunday, he said. The fatigue is pretty intense. They say youll be tired, and I think, I have kids, how bad could it be. But this is different. I cant get out of bed. If I get out for half an hour, Im just exhausted. It gets worse every treatment. When he is recovering, Diana Razzaia is on round-the-clock care for him and the kids.
Razzaia has cancer in the lymph nodes, neck and ribs. He said doctors expect him to have four more treatments.
Thursdays fundraiser was arranged by colleague Chris Isidro. Razzaia said about 150 tickets have been sold. The support of the community and his colleagues has elevated Razzaias spirits.
My wife and I are thankful for everyones support, Razzaia said. I dont know how Ill ever be able to repay everyone.
For more information about Thursday's dinner, contact Isidro via email or by phone at 203-834-6258.
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