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48°
Saturday, may 4
Tag:
Chemotherapy
Police & Fire
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…
News
Central Jersey Mom Battling Cancer 'Taking Over Her Body'
A cancer diagnosis was bad enough for a Central Jersey mom. Even worse, during treatment, she'll be away from her 5-month-old baby. Taryn Jozefowicz Snell was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on April 15, and is undergoing aggressive treatment from the hematology/oncology group at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. More than $43,000 had been raised as of Monday, April 24 on a GoFundMe campaign launched by Emily Pareti of Milltown. Taryn will receive two types of chemo together: One for one week and the other for three. Then, she will be in the hospital for three weeks in r…
News
Jersey Shore Dad Cem Akpinar Leaves Behind 3 Kids After Cancer Battle
Friends and family are grieving the loss of a father of three young children from Monmouth County who lost a battle with cancer. Cem Akpinar, 38, had been battling Renal Cell Carcinoma Cancer for the past five years — "giving his absolute best," friends wrote on this GoFundMe page. Cem was described on the page as "a loving father, husband, brother, son, and friend. Cem is a kind, loving, caring soul that holds so many different titles in our lives and has such a special place in our hearts." With his wife Carissa by his side day in and day out, Cem had been through surgery and chemotherap…
Sports
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…
News
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…
News
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…
News
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…
Lifestyle
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…
Lifestyle
Devoted Union County Dad With Terminal Brain Cancer Prompts Wave Of Community Support
Support is on the rise for the family of a beloved Union County dad diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Victor Vilela was diagnosed with a brain tumor through scans after a car accident 16 years ago, according to a GoFundMe launched for his end-of-life care. The scans led to an official diagnosis of Glioblastoma Astrocytoma Multiforme, an “extremely aggressive form of cancer,” the campaign says. Since then, the dedicated dad has had a nonstop treatment journey, undergoing two invasive surgeries, as well as chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy. Still, Victor’s tumor continued t…
News
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…
Sports
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 …
News
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…
News
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…
News
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…
Lifestyle
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…
News
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…
News
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…
News
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…
News
Young NJ Baseball Player Battling Cancer Gets Holiday Surprise From 'Phillies' (
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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…
Police & Fire
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…
Lifestyle
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…
Obituaries
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…
Lifestyle
Manahawkin Mom Who Fought For 6 Kids Fighting For Her Life
Amanda Quinn fought for six children, as well as her life. After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a doctor advised Quinn and her husband, Garrett, to return their children to the foster system and she should prepare to die. Quinn, a native of Manahawkin, is fighting the cancer and finalizing the adoption of their children. Quinn was diagnosed in July 2018 with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in her heart, liver and inferior vena cava. She is fighting the cancer and finalizing the adoption of their children. She almost died several times during surgery.…
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