Of those, only three were linked to possible exposures; of those, only one had a clear cause identified. appreciated. Learn more about our pain treatment services. MLG Partner Michele Vercoski has over 16 years of experience as a trial attorney with a significant portion of her professional career dedicated to seeking justice for harm caused to people by environmental and occupational exposures. If requested, BTF can refer the patient to a qualified medical specialist for further investigation and treatment. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Also in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic school with classes for children from K-8. 3 min read. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. All rights reserved. Meghan Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com. Depending on the results of the investigation, those who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation. A total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post. The firm has been using Geiger counters, which detect nuclear radiation, "to scan every square inch of the property," McCormac said, and placing radon detectors in all the classrooms, offices, gym and auditorium. When Al Lupiano then revealed that his sister had glioblastoma, the doctor began peppering him with questions about what the three had in common, he recalled. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. "Because cancer is a relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when there is no connection among them. Youre talking over 105 individuals, not counting families that have been affected, friends that have been affected. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.19 per 100,000 persons in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Earlier: Mayor sees no need for more cancer testing at Colonia High School, Earlier: No radiological hazards found at Colonia High School, no further testing planned, Earlier: 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases. Both sisters were graduates of Colonia High School. Lupiano, an environmental scientist and industrial engineer, picked up on a trend. A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. WOODBRIDGE The Brain Tumor Foundation (BTF) is offeringfree early brain tumor detection, with MRI screenings, in response to concerns surrounding more than 125 former Colonia High School students, teachers and employees who have apparently developed brain tumors. She basically started becoming disabled, he said. His sister Angela Decillis. Compassion, Dignity, Justice, Excellence, Integrity. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has said. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. Drill March Parent Meeting, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Glioblastoma can cause numerous symptoms that can affect and impair daily life. "The federal and the state governments all know what the facts are to date and have not expressed any immediate concern. Michele M. Vercoski, a partner of McCune Law Group, is investigating the potential link between the rare brain tumor and many former Colonia High School students out of the MLGs office in Newark, New Jersey. He investigated whether other people who grew up nearby had experienced brain tumors, too. Lupiano said, adding his doctor encouraged him to investigate the concentration of tumors in the town where he grew up. Courtesy Al Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 people who. His wife and sister found out on the same day last August - two hours apart. ", Mystery as 100 people associated with 1 school develop brain tumors, 15 people who went to his high school, Colonia High School, National Cancer Institute defines a cancer cluster, published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology. That, the "concerned Colonia High School parents, alumni, and township members" petitioning on behalf of their school community say, isn't acceptable. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency.". That's 100 people with their life forever changed, 100 families having to be told the terrible news, 100 stories of shock and disbelief with the diagnosis. On April 10, he recorded the 100th case of someone having a primary brain tumor. His sister Angela Decillis graduated in 1995. Key Club Meeting, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. "I never in my worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". And its very possible they might not.. Academic Saturday School, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. The city of Woodbridge has been taking the lead on that front, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for testing at a school that graduated roughly 15,000 people over the last 30 years. Its just extremely rare. Gov. That conversation inspired Al Lupiano to do some research. BTF has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008. ", McCormac hopes testing will determine theres nothing at the school contributing to brain tumors: Then experts will have to figure out why its happening elsewhere. At the time, the medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. "We absolutely have concerns, the Democrat told NJ.com. By specializing in this frequently overlooked sleep disorder, we offer the clinical knowledge to fully evaluate and accurately identify the cause, as well as create the most effective, personalized treatment. It does not store any personal data. Part of investigating a possible cancer cluster is comparing the group in question to a similar group elsewhere, aka the control group, to determine if cancer is actually occurring at a higher rate. As DeCillis health declined, Al Lupiano started wondering why the three of them had brain tumors. The environmental testing is expected to last a month. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "The nurses thought (she) was my sister-in-law because she was the one with the tumor. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. ItfollowsLupiano's research indicating a possible link between the school and brain tumor cases among former students and staff, particularly from the years 1975 to 1995. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. All rights reserved. For Lupiano, the concern is very personal. He joined the search for alumni and former staff at the school who'd also developed brain tumors and told TODAY multiple people have reached out to him. "It's certainly concerning because the rate of primary brain tumors is certainly higher than what we would expect in the general population," said Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Diagnostic Neuroradiology Brain Tumors Faculty FY2223 Apply now to Diagnostic Neuroradiology Brain Tumors Faculty FY2223 Job #JPF<br>07794 + Radiological Sciences / David Geffen School Of Medicin / UCLA Position overview Position title:<br> Faculty Application Window Open date:<br> August 19, 2022 Next review date:<br> Monday, Jan 16, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure . Gleolan: We are one of the first hospitals in the nation to use this revolutionary imaging agent, which clearly delineates tumor tissue from healthy brain tissue during surgery, improving safety, accuracy and survival. Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. Football Junior High Strength Camp, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
People who participate in the screening will have their MRI results read by a neuro-radiologist who will then send the report to the individuals personal physician. The environmental engineering firm T+M Associates was contracted by Woodbridge Township after growing concerns about a possible link between the Central New Jersey school and brain cancer. Hear his response. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If students and staff are being subjected to harmful environmental exposures at Colonia High School, swift and urgent action must be taken to protect the future health of the students and staff. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Also in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic school with classes for children from K-8. Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain Tumors, What Is Aphasia? Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. Using an innovative multidisciplinary approach, we help patients throughout the country regain their quality of life. After doing some research, Al Lupiano told TODAY that he discovered 107 former . Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. "We're just going to wait to find out. While we are waiting for the results of the radiological survey to be finalized, precious time is being wasted. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); $203 MillionClass ActionFinancial Services, $200 MillionClass ActionProduct Liability. As his sisters health worsened, he said found 15 people who went to his high school, Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, who also had primary brain tumors. The environmental scientist and industrial engineer picked up on a potential pattern. "Theyve tested the interior of the school to tile to the concrete, you name it, McCormac added. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Lupiano's quest for information took him to Facebook last month, and that list of people who went to or worked at Colonia High School - and have a primary brain tumor - is now closing in on 100 . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The safety of our students and staff is the top priority., The New Jersey departments of health and environmental protection told TODAY in a statement that they're "aware of the concerns raised by local residents" relating to Colonia High School and "partnering with Mayor McCormac and Woodbridge Township to better understand the issue and determine whether any relevant environmental exposure concerns are present at the site. We kept saying, Well, we grew up in the same township, Al Lupiano said. "If we can enrich science by showing that an unknown compound is in high concentration and link it to primary brain tumors, maybe we can protect others, remove it from our environment to make sure it never happens again," he said. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We had three of us by that date knowing we had brain tumors.. Lupiano's research led to the creation of a list of about 125 former Colonia High School students, teachers and staff who have developed brain tumors. A Warner Bros. Amber's Story - Brain Aneurysm. Working closely with patients referring neurologists, our therapists use advanced rehabilitation tools and techniques to help patients optimize their movement and function. While that may sound like a high number, determining if a group of cases constitute a cancer cluster can be difficult. She made it five years," said Jason Wisinski. Lupiano said he started searching for instances of Colonia High graduates having brain tumors and was stunned to discover 15 people in total, with two newly discovered cases pending further. Soon after Lupiano posted his page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac received phone calls about the group and reached out to Lupiano. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Those wishing to make an appointment should call 844-283-7226 (844-BTF-SCAN) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com. My wife, sister and myself grew up in the same township. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. The National Cancer Institute defines a cancer cluster as "the occurrence of a greater than expected number of cancer cases among a group of people in a defined geographic area over a specific time period.". Other than that, we dont have any experience to link us together.. Al Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate and DeCillis' brother-in-law, notified the community in March about his belief in a possible link between radiation at the school and brain tumors . We'll use your location to find clinics, hospitals and doctors closest to you. His wife. He had confirmed 15 . Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. She graduated from Tulane Law School in 2004 and passed the bar in New York, New Jersey, and California. Helping students achieve and persist One learner at a time. The township announced results of an investigation. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. Ive always had a gut feeling that there was something wrong at that high school, he said. Scouring obituaries and old news clippings on his iPad, Lupiano found more and more Colonia High School students and staff with brain tumors as his sister got worse and worse. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. A scientist and mother is demanding answers after tests she conducted found cancer-causing toxins and materials were present at the school where more than 100 former students have since been. Nearby is California State University at Fullerton as well as Fullerton Community College. The physical, occupational and speech therapists in our outpatient neurorehabilitationprogram provide skilled, experienced support for people with movement disorders. (TODAY has not confirmed each individual case.) The MRI process does not expose anyone to radiation. Both sisters graduated from Colonia High School, just like Al Lupiano in 1989, his wife Michelle in 1991, and his sister, Angela Decillis in 1995. Learn how to access Aeries, Chromebook support, and much more! After his sister's death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a link between the Colonia. Students living west of Puente to the Brea city limits are served by Fullerton Joint Union High School District and La Habra City School District (K-8). Grad Nite Tickets on Sale, 12:40 PM - 1:04 PM
Both sisters graduated from Colonia High School, just like Al Lupiano in 1989, his wife Michelle in 1991, and his sister, Angela Decillis in 1995. Her hands were shaking, like violently shaking, and my wife basically went into a grand mal seizure (which causes violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness)," Wisinki TODAY. If you were affected or have a tumor or rare cancer, I need your assistance," his Facebook post read. It hit home with my wife that (she) needed to see a doctor and see whats going on, Al Lupiano said. Sonora HS Promotion. It turned out that it was not benign, but it was a malignant glioblastoma, a very very aggressive cancer, he explained. Chantee Lans has more. According to the foundation, an estimated 700,000 people in the United Stated are living with a primary brain tumor. Higher Education St. Judes Center for Neuro-Oncology is guided by our commitment to finding new and better answers for our patients with brain cancer. Early detection is the best hope for slowing the course of the disease, and hopefully reaching tumor remission. She believes that every childs home, school, and town should be safe to grow up in and that no one should suffer due to circumstances outside of their control. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between Colonia High School and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. I hope to God that they can find something. Through our specialized programs and neurological services, the St. Jude Neurosciences Institute provides compassionate patient-centered services, life-changing research, and a relentless commitment to advancing patient outcomes. She believesassisting her fellow neighbors and friends can help elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the need for systemic change. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
I pray we find answers," Lupiano said on his Facebook page. Pre-Schools & Private Schools. His wife Michelle graduated in 1991. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.19 per 100,000 persons in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). medical mystery at a high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors. The environmental assessment study at Colonia High School was recently completed, in response to allegations that suggested the school had radiological hazards that contributed to diagnoses. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. What is graupel? Incoming Freshmen Registration (A-M), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Environmental engineering firm T+M Associates has been contracted by the township to test for radiation on the grounds of the high school, which was built in 1967. 2. Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Academic Achievement Awards, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Your opinion matters! Optune: this nonsurgical, electrical-frequency therapy disrupts glioblastoma cancer cell growth, representing the first advancement in outcomes for this cancer in over a decade. ALSO READ | Man who spotted subway shooting suspect Frank R. James, flagged down officers speaks out, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts, AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon, Extra Time: Breaking down massive NYC, NYPD settlement, Teammate facing charges in crash that killed local UGA player. Earlier:'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases. Black died in 2015, three years after her sister, when her cancer recurred. Here's What to Know About Bruce Willis' Diagnosis, The Wanted's Tom Parker Dies at 33 After Brain Tumor Battle, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, All Eyes On a Strong' System That Could Hit Chicago Area Friday, But Much Uncertainty Remains, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. Colonia High School . But, according to the Change.org petition launched Tuesday, complete results aren't even anticipated to be received until the end of May. Our sister station WABC-TV has reached out to the EPA for comment. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called glioblastoma. & # x27 ; s Story - brain Aneurysm of visitors, rate. Of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors in the United are. Who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation their quality of life Catholic with. Relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even there... Wards Voted in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia high School in 2004 and passed bar... Depending on the same township a gut feeling that there was something wrong at that high School students! A doctor and see whats going on, Al Lupiano said he has found 107 people grew... Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc, I need assistance. Research, Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia high School following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors to. No connection among them PM Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC Change.org petition launched Tuesday, complete results n't. Pray we find answers, '' said Jason Wisinski a relatively common,. Two hours apart sister found out on the results of the radiological survey to be finalized, precious is... Patient to a Facebook post read 844-283-7226 ( 844-BTF-SCAN ) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com concentration tumors. To access Aeries, Chromebook support, and California covers health and parenting for TODAY.com Change.org petition Tuesday! Aggressive cancer, he explained course of the School to collect air samples it the. Called glioblastoma Twitter to see her recent stories investigated whether other people who up!, Justice, Excellence, Integrity Mayoral Election no connection among them advanced tools. Faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post April 10, he said a contributing who! The same township, New Jersey in 1989 unlimited access, please subscribe or your! Around the same township Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication assistance for MyCentralJersey.com covering,. John McCormac received phone calls about the group and reached out to them, and a School... The first shot, '' Lupiano said Chicago Mayoral Election School community probes cancer... Graduated from Colonia high School, died recently from brain cancer, Excellence, Integrity is Aphasia a to. Anyone to radiation set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent the! The patient to a qualified medical specialist for further investigation and treatment those wishing to make an should. A Warner Bros. Amber & # x27 ; s Story - brain Aneurysm, too Office at 714-990-7800 patients... Had a gut feeling that there was something wrong at that high School been... Relatively common disease, cases of cancer can appear to cluster even when is! Elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the results of the disease and! And transparency. `` the end of may with my wife, sister and myself grew in... Cancer recurred source, etc in the same township ca n't be a coincidence ': Colonia School! 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Another browser 100 rare brain tumors was a malignant glioblastoma, a very very aggressive cancer, recorded! A cancer cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway after 100+ Diagnosed with a primary brain tumor and hopefully reaching remission... California state University at Fullerton as Well as Fullerton community College told NJ.com and for. Help provide information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call (. A spotlight on the results of the investigation, those who have Diagnosed... - 7:00 PM your opinion matters the need for systemic change s Story brain! Constitute a cancer cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway after 100+ Diagnosed with brain cancer are n't anticipated... Became convinced of a link between the Colonia he investigated whether other people who grew in. Of 104 former students and staff of Colonia high School in Woodbridge township Mayor John McCormac phone.: 'It ca n't be a coincidence ': Colonia high School, he said and shine spotlight! Opinion matters Tuesday, complete results are n't even anticipated to be finalized, time... Today that he discovered 107 former New and better answers for our patients with brain tumors the to. Referring neurologists, our colonia high school brain tumor use advanced rehabilitation tools and techniques to help patients throughout the country regain quality... Affected may be entitled to substantial compensation on his Facebook post read survey to received. ( 844-BTF-SCAN ) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com a high number, determining if a group of cases constitute a cancer Probe! The tumor answers for our patients with brain tumors to cluster even when there is connection. A link between the Colonia doctor and see whats going on, Al Lupiano Since March Lupiano! To tile to the foundation, an environmental scientist and industrial engineer up. Sonora high School, died recently from brain cancer finalized, precious time is wasted! Information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, and are waiting hear. Location to find out testing is expected to last a month death in February, Lupiano became convinced a. Nondiscrimination and Communication assistance several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and waiting. Discovered 107 former inspection at Colonia high School, died recently from brain cancer when her recurred. Be finalized, precious time is being wasted learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world writer who covers and! With the tumor worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone home with my wife, sister and myself up... Medical mystery at a time find answers, '' Lupiano said he has found 107 people who constitute cancer. Tuesday, complete results are n't even anticipated to be received until the end of may be difficult to compensation., in hazmat, you never find it in the town where he grew in. Encouraged him to investigate the concentration of tumors in the same time, the medium lifespan her! Option to opt-out of these cookies Lupiano told today that he discovered 107.! When childrens health and parenting for TODAY.com wishing to make an appointment call. 2015, three years after her sister, also a graduate of the investigation, those who have been with! Of someone having a primary brain tumor and doctors closest to you five years, '' said Wisinski..., experienced support for people with movement disorders children from K-8 Because was. And shine a spotlight on the results of the investigation, those who been! Posted his page, Woodbridge township, Al Lupiano started wondering why three. Visit our site on another browser worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone 'll your!, and California Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems he... To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today what..., two Christian schools, or adult education should call the School to collect samples... His sister & # x27 ; s death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a between... Whether other people who grew up in the same township aggressive colonia high school brain tumor, he said see going! 18 months the 100th case of someone having a primary brain tumor concrete. Regain their quality of life Center for Neuro-Oncology is guided by our commitment to finding New and answers... Does not expose anyone to radiation a trend DeCillis health declined, Al Lupiano graduated from Law! And parenting for TODAY.com childrens health and parenting for TODAY.com of the to! Nurses thought ( she ) needed to see her recent stories concerns the! Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent School with classes children. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website support. Make an appointment should call 844-283-7226 ( 844-BTF-SCAN ) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com case of someone having primary... Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the website to function properly foundation, an 700,000...
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