Tag:

Chemotherapy

Mutual Aid Helps Boy, 4, From Family Of North Jersey First Responders Begin Cancer Fight Mutual Aid Helps Boy, 4, From Family Of North Jersey First Responders Begin Cancer Fight
Mutual Aid Helps Boy, 4, From Family Of North Jersey First Responders Begin Cancer Fight A 4-year-old boy who comes from a family of North Jersey first responders has headed into a battle with the additional love and support of friends, fellow public servants and others. Jonathan Benkovic has Wilms tumor. Also known as nephroblastoma, it's a pediatric cancer that often affects children 3 to 4 years old. Next week he'll begin chemotherapy treatments that are expected to last 30 weeks. A community of public servants are all pulling for Jonathan, who comes from a family of heroes. The sheriff’s PBA Local 134, along with police and firefighters in Hasbrouck Heights and Hackensack…
Beloved Rutgers Equipment Manager Battling Cancer Sees Support From Athletes Beloved Rutgers Equipment Manager Battling Cancer Sees Support From Athletes
Beloved Rutgers Equipment Manager Battling Cancer Sees Support From Athletes Support is on the rise for a Rutgers University equipment manager and devoted dad following a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. 1989 Rutgers graduate Ulysses Molina, aka "Uly,” has worked at the university for more than 30 years, currently managing equipment for the men's and women's lacrosse and soccer programs, according to a GoFundMe launched for his medical support. A resident of Somerville, Molina was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and must undergo a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the fundraiser says. Meanwhile, he and his wife, Denise’s daughter, Isabella, grad…
NJ Starbucks Worker Was Right To Be Worried About Daughter's Swollen Belly: 'One Strong Girl' NJ Starbucks Worker Was Right To Be Worried About Daughter's Swollen Belly: 'One Strong Girl'
NJ Starbucks Worker Was Right To Be Worried About Daughter's Swollen Belly: 'One Strong Girl' A Camden County mom's intuition that something wasn't right with her 2-year-old daughter and her swollen belly unfortunately turned out to be right. Sometime after the new year, Damara Burke noticed swelling in Charli's upper belly, according to a GoFundMe page launched for the Mount Ephraim family. "After a week of testing (ultrasound, MRI with anesthesia, CT scan, and Biopsy), the doctors confirmed that she had several masses that metastasized from her kidney to her liver, lungs, and around her blood vessels," her aunt wrote on the page. Charli BurkeGoFundMe "These tumors in Charli’s…
Brain Infection Plagues Paterson Teacher Amid Cancer Battle Brain Infection Plagues Paterson Teacher Amid Cancer Battle
Brain Infection Plagues Paterson Teacher Amid Cancer Battle After battling leukemia, braving multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and receiving a life-saving stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor, Emily Setteducato thought her medical woes were over.  The 28-year-old Paterson elementary school teacher had left the hospital, returned to the classroom, celebrated a birthday, and was back to planning a future with her long-time boyfriend, Will.  But now, the Saddle Brook woman is battling an infection in her brain, complicated by a weakened immune system still reeling from her cancer treatment, her sister Jackie Griffin writes in a GoFundM…
Cancer Misdiagnosed As COVID For NJ Nursing Student Who Finished School From Hospital Bed Cancer Misdiagnosed As COVID For NJ Nursing Student Who Finished School From Hospital Bed
Cancer Misdiagnosed As COVID For NJ Nursing Student Who Finished School From Hospital Bed Angela Meister was weeks away from finishing nursing school when she woke up with flu-like symptoms one day in late October. The 29-year-old Bergenfield resident was achey and had a fever, but wanted to push through and finally finish the 16-month accelerated nursing program she started. Her symptoms came and went, and she figured that was because she wasn't letting herself rest. But after 11 days with a fever, Meister went to the ER. Doctors told her she had a bad case of COVID and sent her on her way, encouraging rest and Tylenol. Meister spent the following month in and out of urgent c…
Ridgewood Boxer On 12-Year Battle With Blood Cancer: 'The Fight' Ridgewood Boxer On 12-Year Battle With Blood Cancer: 'The Fight'
Ridgewood Boxer On 12-Year Battle With Blood Cancer: 'The Fight' A 31-year-old boxer from Ridgewood is in his sixth battle with blood cancer, and he's penned a memoir detailing it all. Anthony Daniels book called "The Fight" sheds light on his journey of broken dreams and having hope while fighting the 12-year battle. As a child, Daniels dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was just 19 years old. After thousands of hours of chemotherapy and his cancer returning five times, Anthony has relapsed again and is now fighting his sixth battle.  Despite grueling treatments, Anthony chooses to be strong, a…
Bergen County Dad's Aggressive Brain Cancer Started As Confusion, Pounding Headache Bergen County Dad's Aggressive Brain Cancer Started As Confusion, Pounding Headache
Bergen County Dad's Aggressive Brain Cancer Started As Confusion, Pounding Headache One day, Richie Nelson was enjoying summer with his wife and young boys.  The next, he was being airlifted to a hospital where he'd undergo emergency brain surgery, to remove the tumor that had been causing confusion and a massive headache for weeks. The 39-year-old dad from Norwood has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that has turned his life upside-down. Much of the future is unknown for Nelson and his family, which is why his wife, Jenny Bertolini, says these days, they're focused on the here and now. "We don't know what tomorrow brings," said Bertolin…
Sparta Football Player Battling Aggressive Bone Cancer At Age 11 Gets Wave Of Community Support Sparta Football Player Battling Aggressive Bone Cancer At Age 11 Gets Wave Of Community Support
Sparta Football Player Battling Aggressive Bone Cancer At Age 11 Gets Wave Of Community Support The Sparta community is rallying for a 5th grader and youth football player who is preparing to undergo chemotherapy treatment after he was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. Daniel Bachkhaz, 11 in life and on the football field, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in early October, according to a GoFundMe launched for his medical support and a social media post from his football team, the Sparta Spartans. Since Daniel’s initial diagnosis, the post says that the cancer has continued to spread to his lungs, lymph nodes, pelvis, knee, and various parts of his leg. Many of you have heard …
Support Surges For Morris County Nurse, Devoted Mom Battling Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer Support Surges For Morris County Nurse, Devoted Mom Battling Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer
Support Surges For Morris County Nurse, Devoted Mom Battling Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer Support is on the rise for a Morris County nurse and devoted mother battling an invasive and fast-spreading form of stage 2 breast cancer. Nicole Papa, a nurse at Advocare Family Health at Mount Olive, was diagnosed with stage 2, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in July, according to a GoFundMe launched for her medical expenses. “TNBC differs from other types of invasive breast cancer in that it tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis,” the campaign says. While Nicole has already undergone surgery to remove the tumor and severa…
Support Surges For Single Mom Of 2, Totowa Salon Owner During Stage 3 Cancer Battle Support Surges For Single Mom Of 2, Totowa Salon Owner During Stage 3 Cancer Battle
Support Surges For Single Mom Of 2, Totowa Salon Owner During Stage 3 Cancer Battle Support is quickly rising for a single mother of two and Totowa salon owner as she bravely battles Stage 3 breast cancer. GinaMarie Bullaro — owner of GinaMarie Hair Studio on Union Blvd. in Totowa — was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in February, according to a GoFundMe launched for her medical expenses. After starting chemotherapy treatment in March, Gina has fearlessly endured numerous difficulties, like kidney stones, a vein infection, and a fever that left her hospitalized, the campaign says. “She kept powering through all of this while caring for her two children as a single m…
NJ High School Senior Battles Rare Cancer NJ High School Senior Battles Rare Cancer
NJ High School Senior Battles Rare Cancer Michael Mancusi might be battling cancer, but he won't be fighting alone.  The 18-year-old Freehold Township High School senior was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer, on April 12 after a small and irregular bump was found on his inner thigh, his girlfriend Macie Martin writes on this GoFundMe page. "Never did he imagine that this small growth would alter his life," she said. "Michael and his family will be facing a long hard battle for the next six months. Please consider assisting Michael and his family in this fight to defeat Rhabdomyosarcoma." Michael MancusiGoFundMe Mi…
Wayne Valley Football Player's COVID Bout Ends In Cancer Diagnosis Wayne Valley Football Player's COVID Bout Ends In Cancer Diagnosis
Wayne Valley Football Player's COVID Bout Ends In Cancer Diagnosis Support is surging for a Wayne Valley High School football player battling cancer. Rocco Sivolella, 14, had a particularly rough bout of COVID-19 last January. He was taken to the hospital and soon after, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  Within weeks, he'd completed his first round of chemotherapy, according to a GoFundMe launched for his family. Rocco’s teammates and friends designed bracelets to show support. His church over the weekend published a post to Facebook asking for prayers. Please pray for Rocco 🙏 Posted by Our Lady of Consolation Church on Sunday, March 20, 2022…
4-Year-Old North Jersey Girl Is Battling Brain Cancer – Again 4-Year-Old North Jersey Girl Is Battling Brain Cancer – Again
4-Year-Old North Jersey Girl Is Battling Brain Cancer – Again Natalie Ferguson was just three years old when her life was derailed by cancer. The bubbly 3-year-old from Hawthorne started limping seemingly out of nowhere on her right leg in December 2020. Natalie's worried parents, Sarah and Patrick, took her to the doctor immediately and, eventually, would come to learn that their little girl had a tumor on the left side of her brain. After more than a year of 33 radiation sessions and a successful surgery, Natalie was cancer free. That was in March 2021. NatalieFerguson Family Natalie and Margot Ferguson, almost 1.Ferguson Family Exactly a y…
Support Surges For North Jersey Lieutenant, Beloved Dad Battling Stage 4 Lymphoma Support Surges For North Jersey Lieutenant, Beloved Dad Battling Stage 4 Lymphoma
Support Surges For North Jersey Lieutenant, Beloved Dad Battling Stage 4 Lymphoma Support is skyrocketing for a North Jersey lieutenant and beloved father of three battling Stage 4 Lymphoma. Dominic Tafuri of the Essex County Department of Corrections was diagnosed with “aggressive” Stage 4 Lymphoma in December and will soon undergo several rounds of chemotherapy treatments, according to a GoFundMe launched for his medical bills. Tafuri — a former MMA fighter and loving father to Dominic, Cristina, and Matt — also faces the risk of the cancer spreading to his brain and nervous system. As a result, he will require advanced preventative treatment, which will involve seve…
Support Surges For Beloved Lehigh Valley Nurse, Mom Of 8 Battling Colon Cancer Support Surges For Beloved Lehigh Valley Nurse, Mom Of 8 Battling Colon Cancer
Support Surges For Beloved Lehigh Valley Nurse, Mom Of 8 Battling Colon Cancer Support is on the rise for a beloved Lehigh Valley nurse and mother of eight battling stage IV colon cancer. After several months of suffering from mysterious pain and fatigue, Kirsten Bickert, 42, was sent to a GI specialist and learned that she had developed a mass in her sigmoid colon on Dec. 8, according to a GoFundMe launched for her medical expenses. Bickert is known for her role as a passionate and caring nurse, as well as a mother of eight children ages seven through 18. “She has been a nurse since 2007 and loves helping and taking care of people,” reads the campaign, launched by T…
Young NJ Baseball Player Battling Cancer Gets Holiday Surprise From 'Phillies' (VIDEO) Young NJ Baseball Player Battling Cancer Gets Holiday Surprise From 'Phillies' (VIDEO)
Young NJ Baseball Player Battling Cancer Gets Holiday Surprise From 'Phillies' (Video) A young New Jersey baseball player battling cancer got a one-of-a-kind surprise from the Philadelphia Phillies this week. Marlton baseball player and major Phillies fan Toby Mizrachi, 10, was recently diagnosed with B cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and started chemotherapy treatment at the CHOP over Hanukkah. Toby’s favorite team worked alongside the Marlton community to arrange a pep rally parade with his travel team, friends and fifth-grade classmates on Thursday. We recently learned that one of our biggest fans, Toby Mizrachi, is undergoing cancer treatment during what should be... Po…
Community Rallies For Injured North Bergen Police Officer As Fiancé Battles Brain Tumor Community Rallies For Injured North Bergen Police Officer As Fiancé Battles Brain Tumor
Community Rallies For Injured North Bergen Police Officer As Fiancé Battles Brain Tumor The migraines, seizures and dizziness Isabel Cucalon thought were symptoms of stress turned out to be something much worse: A brain tumor. The Ridgefield Park mom has had three surgeries this year to correct damage endured during the birth of her second child with fiancé Nelson Roman, since early 2021. Isabel Cucalon and Nelson Roman with their kids.GoFundMe photo Meanwhile, Roman injured his shoulder while on duty as a police officer in North Bergen. So when doctors told Cucalon that what she was experiencing was simply from stress, she believed it. But last month, when she was refer…
Deadly Police Shooting Of 'Emotional, Confused' Man Battling Cancer Was Unjust, Daughter Says Deadly Police Shooting Of 'Emotional, Confused' Man Battling Cancer Was Unjust, Daughter Says
Deadly Police Shooting Of 'Emotional, Confused' Man Battling Cancer Was Unjust, Daughter Says It wasn't brain or lung cancer that killed a 62-year-old Berks County man battling both. Rather, a police shooting on Monday that his daughter is calling a tragic and unjust misunderstanding that could have been avoided and handled differently. Steven Hughes of Muhlenberg Township was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer early last year and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for both ever since. The treatment often leaves him confused -- according to his daughter, Anjie Leigh Hughes, of Montgomery County -- which was exactly the case Monday afternoon, when he reporte…
Support Surges For Longtime NJ Diner Employee Battling Stage 3 Colon Cancer Support Surges For Longtime NJ Diner Employee Battling Stage 3 Colon Cancer
Support Surges For Longtime NJ Diner Employee Battling Stage 3 Colon Cancer Support is surging for a beloved Morristown Diner employee battling Stage 3 colon cancer. Francisco “Franco,” 39, has been a server at Morristown Diner for many years. With all of his family overseas, his coworkers are rallying to support him emotionally and financially after his difficult diagnosis with Stage 3 colon cancer. “Many of you know Franco as the friendly face that served you at the Morristown Diner, whether it was a late night or early morning, he was always there and ready to work,” reads a post on the diner’s Facebook page. “Now, it’s time for us to help him!” “As his extende…
Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34 Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34
Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34 Morris County mom and special education teacher Jennie Elizabeth Byram died Jan. 22 following a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 34. Byram was born in the Bronx and grew up in Butler, her obituary says. She “made her childhood dream come true” by pursuing special education and teaching students in a one-on-one setting for seven years, her obituary says. Byram, who lived in Morristown at the time of her death, worked as a co-teacher at Mary Kay McMillin Early Education Center in Berkeley Heights during the last two years of her teaching career, her memorial says. Byra…
Wyckoff Restaurant Workers Rally For Waiter Amid Daughter's Cancer Battle Wyckoff Restaurant Workers Rally For Waiter Amid Daughter's Cancer Battle
Wyckoff Restaurant Workers Rally For Waiter Amid Daughter's Cancer Battle The community is rallying for an 8-year-old Hawthorne girl whose cancer battle became even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $15,500 had been raised as of Monday morning on a GoFundMe to help the Posada family. Stephany Posada was vacationing with her family in Myrtle Beach last summer when she collapsed in their hotel room. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  Stephany began chemotherapy in South Carolina immediately. After four long weeks, Stephany was stable enough…
'He'll Never Stop Fighting': Community Rallies For Ramsey Dad During Cancer Battle 'He'll Never Stop Fighting': Community Rallies For Ramsey Dad During Cancer Battle
'He'll Never Stop Fighting': Community Rallies For Ramsey Dad During Cancer Battle The Ramsey community is rallying to support a local dad undergoing treatment for lymphoma. Glen Farraye, a father of three, was diagnosed with lymphoma in December 2019. In January, the family’s worries only grew as they discovered the cancer had become more aggressive than originally diagnosed. Now, Glen’s treatment plan includes a number of long-term hospital stays for chemotherapy. Nearly $25,000 had been raised for Glen and his family on a GoFundMe as of Tuesday afternoon. “The news truly shocked us to the core,” the campaign says. Glen, a father of three, pictured with his daug…
Community Rallies For New Milford Single Mom Battling Cancer Community Rallies For New Milford Single Mom Battling Cancer
Community Rallies For New Milford Single Mom Battling Cancer The New Milford community is rallying to support a local single mom who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Mother of two Lisa Tobler was diagnosed with esophagus cancer last month and is undergoing chemotherapy, according to a GoFundMe created for the family. More than $7,600 had been donated as of Monday morning. The funds will help with medical expenses and transportation to and from Lisa’s treatment facility at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan. Lisa currently lives in an apartment with her one of her sons, Dante, who works two jobs. Her other son, Dalton, is attending college and …
'WE'RE FAMILY': Glen Rock Police, Colleagues Rally For Dad Of 6 Fighting Esophageal Cancer 'WE'RE FAMILY': Glen Rock Police, Colleagues Rally For Dad Of 6 Fighting Esophageal Cancer
'WE'RE Family': Glen Rock Police, Colleagues Rally For Dad Of 6 Fighting Esophageal Cancer Glen Rock police are banding with their brothers and sisters in blue in Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes and Ho-Ho-Kus to help a borough family struck by cancer. The esophageal cancer diagnosis came for Bob Allison, a father of six, in July. “The primary tumor was about 4.5 cm,” according to the Glen Rock PBA. “There was a smaller 4 mm tumor in the upper esophagus, and a few cancerous lymph nodes.” Initial chemotherapy rounds weren’t effective. Allison has begun a new chemo treatment, along with radiation, to be followed by surgery in January or February. Glen Rock police are dedicating this y…
End Of Chemo Marks New Beginning For Sussex County Couple End Of Chemo Marks New Beginning For Sussex County Couple
End Of Chemo Marks New Beginning For Sussex County Couple Jillian Hanson Allegretti had nearly given up on life when she says her now-husband, Max Allegretti, breathed life back into her. It's a line the Andover native included in her wedding vows -- nearly two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Through it all, Max, of Montlcair, was by her side. Back then, they weren't engaged yet. All then 25-year-old Jillian had was a promise from Max he'd be there through it all. And he was. during Jillian's last round of chemotherapy, Max asked her to be his wife (it went viral!). The couple tied the knot last month -- cancer-free. Click here…
Paramus Native's Kids Find Good In His Cancer Battle Paramus Native's Kids Find Good In His Cancer Battle
Paramus Native's Kids Find Good In His Cancer Battle Jason Kosco of Montville starts his day the same way. He showers. Brushes his teeth. Puts on his clothes -- a flat-brimmed hat and high top sneakers -- and goes to work. The only difference lately, though, is that it's all done in Morristown Medical Center -- where Jason's wife, Nicole, has brought his computer monitors so he can continue to work. Despite the Paramus native's recent cancer diagnosis (a form of leukemia), he is trying his hardest to keep things as normal as possible and show his children that things aren't always as they seem -- even the "bad" stuff. "We want to turn this…
Wayne Family Faces Unimaginable As Boy Battles Cancer Wayne Family Faces Unimaginable As Boy Battles Cancer
Wayne Family Faces Unimaginable As Boy Battles Cancer Art school, driving his electric car and his little brother. These are what Wayne's Nikolas Serenkov misses most. The 3-year-old has spent the better part of this summer at Hackensack University Medical Center receiving treatment for neuroblastoma. Since his diagnosis last June, Nikolas gave up his favorite things and instead, became very painful and uncomfortable. ** CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO A GOFUNDME LAUNCHED FOR THE SERENKOV FAMILY ** Aside from the physical and emotional tolls that the Serenkovs are facing, a financial one is looming: Nikolas' mom Marina Serenkov could loose her job…
Community Rallies For Sussex County Mom Fighting Breast Cancer Community Rallies For Sussex County Mom Fighting Breast Cancer
Community Rallies For Sussex County Mom Fighting Breast Cancer Ashley Keiling of Newton is facing two types of chemotherapy. A double mastectomy.  And on top of that, life's normal stressors. A wife and mother, Ashley was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma HER2+ this summer and will be out of work while she fights. More than $23,000 had been raised as of Sept. 4 on a GoFundMe launched by Steph Logan. Prayers, words of encouragement and donations poured in from loved ones and strangers alike. Prayers poured in for Ashley.GOFUNDME Click here to donate.
GoFundMe Begun For Baby From Bloomfield With Rare Medical Condition GoFundMe Begun For Baby From Bloomfield With Rare Medical Condition
GoFundMe Begun For Baby From Bloomfield With Rare Medical Condition The family of a year-and-a-half-old baby girl have started a GoFundMe campaign to help defray medical expenses incurred as doctors treat her rare and potentially fatal medical condition.  Sawyer Jane Barrow was born last year with a condition known as vein of Galen malformation, in which veins don't connect to capillaries but directly to the great cerebral vein. The condition leads to an abnormally fast blood flow, which can lead to a variety of problems, including congestive heart failure, brain bleeding and seizures. Vein of Galen malformations are very rare, affecting just 1 in 3 mil…
ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight
ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight As an emergency room nurse for the last 13 years, Jennifer Noone has helped countless people in medical distress. Now, she finds herself in need of help. Noone, a Clark resident who attended Roselle Catholic High School and Kean University, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in February. A rare form of cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma affects only about 1 in 100,000 Americans. The experienced nurse contracted a sinus infection in January and knew something was wrong when it wasn’t clearing up. A visit to the doctor confirmed that she was very sick and had to begin an aggressive co…
Butler Toddler Battles Aggressive Brain Tumor Butler Toddler Battles Aggressive Brain Tumor
Butler Toddler Battles Aggressive Brain Tumor The community is coming together in support of a Butler toddler battling a rare brain tumor. Theo Fredericks was rushed to the emergency room last month after persistent vomiting, headaches and imbalance was not responding to typical treatments directed by his pediatrician. An MRI and CT scan showed a mass on his brain, which was removed two days later -- and Theo was diagnosed with rare brain cancer medulloblastoma. Theo is facing chemotherapy -- several rounds of it -- along with inpatient hospital stays, outpatient clinic visits and a stem cell transplant. …