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NJ Father Of 4 On Ventilator After Heart Stops For 18 Minutes: Fundraiser
Justin Sanchez, a 35-year-old Union City resident, is unconscious and breathing on a ventilator after he went into cardiac arrest earlier this month, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family.
On Sunday, April 6, Sanchez suffered a seizure in his sleep and his heart stopped. He went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped beating for 18 minutes. Before that, Sanchez was a healthy, energetic, loving father, Tobin Jacob, who organized the fundraiser said.
Sanchez is unconscious and dependent on a ventilator for breathing, leaving his wife, Stephanie, to care for their four chil…
Union County Dad, Coach Battling Brain Cancer Sees Overwhelming Support
Phil Orsini, a Union County dad, is in the fight of his life. But he won't do it alone.
Orsini, of Scotch Plains, was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, brain cancer, last year. He had surgery at Morristown Medical Center and underwent nine months of treatments, according to a campaign launched for his fight.
Despite his diagnosis, Orsini continued to live his life, coaching youth softball and basketball, fishing, golfing, performing punk rock karaoke and spending time with his wife Jill, and his two daughters, Lena and Amelia.
In March, Orsini's condition worsened and he was…
Support Swells For Montclair Native Battling Cancer
Zoe Rosenberg recently celebrated her 23rd birthday — battling the fight of her life.
A Montclair native, Rosenberg was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2022, according to a GoFundMe launched for her care.
She underwent surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and the disease went into remission for nine months, allowing her to continue her studies at Northeastern.
The cancer has since returned, though, and the fundraiser was launched in an effort to assist her family, who have relocated to Boston to assist her with her care.
"The family is facing a deluge of new expenses," Sarah Wolman, wh…
Jersey City Rallies Around Boy Facing Life-Threatening Illness Overseas
Luca Gonzalez, a 13-year-old Jersey City resident, was visiting family in Switzerland when he suddenly fell critically ill and had to be hospitalized.
Gonzalez was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax and has undergone several surgeries. The hospital in Switzerland is refusing to accept his insurance, since he is an American citizen.
A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses, which have exceeded $20,000. As of Friday, August 11, more than $22,300 has been raised.
Luca's mother, Rene, is a prominent restauranteur in the city, having previously ser…
North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her.
While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.
Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
Newark Helps One Of Its Own Open Restaurant
Inayah Blocker has recently opened her own restaurant, thanks to community support.
Blocker, a Newark native, opened Beyond Soul, a soul food and seafood restaurant at 40 Jay Street on Tuesday, July 11, in the city. To help with costs, including signing a lease, Blocker started a fundraiser. As of Friday, July 21, almost $3,600 has been raised.
Beyond Soul is also the name of a catering company Blocker ran. She was also a contestant on the Food Network's "Chef Boot Camp."
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North Jersey Boy Struck By Car Sees Overwhelming Community Support
As Stefan Wiklinski remains on the mend after being struck by a car in Old Tappan while riding his bike, residents of the borough are showing they have his back.
A fundraiser has been created to support Wiklinski's family with medical expenses following the Sunday, June 11 incident. As of Tuesday, June 20, more than $60,000 has been raised.
Wiklinski, an eighth grader who was set to graduate from Charles DeWolf Middle School, suffered a brain injury and remains under sedation. Wiklinski, called "Stefan Spectacular" by his dad, Stephen, was inducted into the National Honor Society and played…