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In 2019, Gabe Roonan was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer that has advanced and will require additional procedures.
Roonan is teaching 7th grade at Toms River Intermediate East and previously taught at East Dover, Walnut.
Roonan is married to Melissa Roonan, a 3rd grade elementary school teacher, also in the Toms River School District. The couple has two young children.
Roonan's advanced cancer now requires more invasive and extensive treatments. He is scheduled for surgery in NYC on Feb. 19.
He'll have to take an unpaid leave-of-absence from work to make numerous trips to New York City for hospital visits. That means overnight stays, mounting medical bills and a loss of wages.
"Anyone who has ever met Gabe understands his dedication and love to his family, career and community," this GoFundMe page reads.
Throughout the last couple rounds of treatment, Roonan could still be found working, coaching football and attending all of his children's extracurricular activities. However, they received unexpected news that his
Melissa Roonan will continue to need extra support to be able to care for Gabe during this extended battle, take care of their two active children as well as continue to work herself.
After the Roonan's first learned about the fundraiser, they posted this note on the GoFundMe page:
"Gabe and I have been sitting here trying to find the right words to truly express our appreciation because a simple 'thank you' just doesn't seem to be enough. We have donated to many GoFundMe pages in the past, but never imagined being on the other end. The generosity, love and kindness you have all shown has filled us with so much hope and gratitude. Gabe is set for surgery in New York City on February 19th. I will try to keep everyone updated as best as I can. We thank you and love you all."
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