", 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. Discovery Company. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The information on this website is for general information purposes only. 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. The HyperFine MRI unit enables greater flexibility and ease of access to patients than the previous practice of bringing a 72-foot tractor-trailer housing a standard sized mobile MRI to a screening location. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. The district is bounded on the north by the Orange / Los Angeles counties' line, on the east by San Bernardino and Riverside counties, on the west by Puente Avenue, and on the South by the City of Fullerton. According to the NCI, it's "extremely rare" for an investigation into a possible cluster to find it's the result of a "specific cancer-causing substance in the environment." Call us or complete our online form to request an appointment with our neurological care experts. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. Academic Saturday School, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Lupiano has been leading efforts for attention to the potential link ofbrain tumors in the community. The school will remain open. Ms. Vercoski can be reached directly at mmv@mccunewright.com. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. According to the foundation, an estimated 700,000 people in the United Stated are living with a primary brain tumor. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. "I have full faith they will get to the bottom of this and they will figure out what is going on," she said at the time. All rights reserved. A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. "We have to know whatwe've found so far, if anything, before we test for the next level," McCormac said. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called glioblastoma. If you are an alumni or staff member of Colonia High School and have developed a brain tumor, contact MLG today! The Departments stand ready to assist Woodbridge in reviewing any environmental data it collects to determine appropriate next steps. Lupiano, who is also an environmental scientist, and his wife Michelle-- both graduates of the high school -- were diagnosed with benign brain tumors 20 years apart. Janice's sister Chery Black also died from brain cancer in 2015. WOODBRIDGE -In less than two months, former township resident Al Lupiano has developed a list of more than 100 people linked to Colonia High School who have been diagnosed with primary brain tumors. Learn more about our mission, vision and values. My wife, sister and myself grew up in the same township. Of those, only three were linked to possible exposures; of those, only one had a clear cause identified. Sonora High School is a diverse community dedicated to the academic, personal, and social growth of all student learners within a student-centered environment. Earlier:'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases. Senior Financial Aid, 1:04 PM - 1:34 PM NHS Weekly Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM And with the list that grew by two people in just the last week, the results of recentradiation and radon testing at the school on East Street can't come soon enough. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. Hear his response. The free brain scans were pursued by Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School graduate who began researching a possible link between brain tumors and the high school following the February. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (714-256-1311) has a campus located at 251 South Randolph Street in Brea. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. All three were diagnosed with a brain tumor. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. Sinceearly March, Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate, has identified 117 students, teachers and staff members with primary brain tumors, as well as 78 students and staff with rare or curious cancers. Ms. Vercoski has also contributed to legal publications as an author and values continuing education for attorneys. Thanks to social media, Lupiano found a total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors - about half are cancerous. A week later, the Lupianos were at a doctors appointment and mentioned Al Lupianos acoustic neuroma 20 years earlier. She basically started becoming disabled, he said. 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. The doctor told us that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors. Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans, Notice of Nondiscrimination and Communication Assistance. On March 7, he posted a page on social media looking for others from Colonia High School with brain tumors. 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 . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We are one of an elite group of hospitals in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. Air, waterand soil samples need to be taken to rule out the possibility of additional contaminants that may be acting synergistically," Lupiano said in a statement Tuesday. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. I needed to ask for help, he said. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Our therapists offer the most advanced care available, helping individuals of all ages successfully recover from strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, vestibular and balance disorders, diabetic neuropathy and other medical conditions. A scan revealed that she had a tumor on the left side of the brain that was 30 millimeters. They learned of their tumors just eight days apart. Soon after Lupiano posted his page, Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac received phone calls about the group and reached out to Lupiano. 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. And its very possible they might not.. 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. Ms. Vercoski is a tireless advocate that has gotten justice and great results for her clients. 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. I hope to God that they can find something. The screenings are part of the foundations ongoing early detection program and research initiative, with the goal of helping people in the area discover if they have an undiagnosed brain tumor. Depending on the results of the investigation, those who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. Key Club Meeting, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Radon testing was conducted at the school and last monthlocal officials joined by state environmental and health officials announced no evidence of any cancer-causing hazards were found at the site that warrant further investigation. She was declining quickly, and my attention was elsewhere, Al Lupiano said. He was diagnosed 20 years ago. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to primary malignant brain tumors at the age of 38, became one of many convinced that a cluster a. 100 PEOPLE WITH RARE TUMORS WHO ATTENDED SAME NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL DEMAND ANSWERS The 110 people that Lupiano has counted on his list of former Colonia High School graduates have been. "I do think there needs to be greater emphasis placed upon moving to conduct the next phase of sampling. By Thanksgiving, DeCillis' cognitive abilities deteriorated. "Right now we've talked to every federal and state agency possible and no one has indicated that the school is not safe," McCormac said. Obviously, everyone's praying and hoping for the best," said Colonia High School junior Julia Pagnozzi. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. A single New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery apparently linking 100 people diagnosed with rare cancers or tumors to a Woodbridge high school. 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. After doing some research, Al Lupiano told TODAY that he discovered 107 former . The school has stayed open, with local officials apparently telling parents that "at this time, there is no discernable health or wellness threat to students, staff, or visitors at Colonia High School," according to the petition writers. If we catch a tumor before the patient becomes symptomatic, the health outcome is almost always better, saidDr. Michael Schulder, president of BTF and vice chair of neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. Ms. Vercoski takes a special interest in the connection between health problems and exposure to environmental issues affecting New Jersey, the state where she grew up and where her family and friends continue to live. She believesassisting her fellow neighbors and friends can help elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the need for systemic change. When Jason Wisinski learned that Al Lupiano was looking into cases of brain tumors at a New Jersey high school, he wanted to help. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); $203 MillionClass ActionFinancial Services, $200 MillionClass ActionProduct Liability. Colonia High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on the school's baseball field. Ms. Vercoski, a Middlesex County native, has a personal connection to the health outcomes of this type of rare brain tumor which has manifested in Colonia High School alumni and staff at unusually high rates. 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. Advanced Neurological Care. She made it five years," said Jason Wisinski. All Rights Reserved. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Thatled Lupiano to posta message on Facebook last month asking if others who attended or worked at the school had been diagnosed with brain tumors. Its just like both of you being struck by lightning, Al Lupiano recalled. Gov. Ms. Vercoski, who was raised in Carteret and Middlesex County and who recently lost a close friend and alumnus of Colonia High School to this rare brain tumor, is utilizing her personal investment in this investigation to become part of the solution to provide answers and relief to alumni and staff affected by this rare brain tumor. Request Appointment. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has said. "I need your help Facebook. (The doctor) just looked at me and said, Ive been doing this a long time. ABC7's Dallas Raines explains the difference, Jury selection begins for convicted torturer accused of escaping jail, Children jump for joy at seeing snow flurries in Canyon Country. Lupiano said, adding his doctor encouraged him to investigate the concentration of tumors in the town where he grew up. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. His wife and sister found out on the same day last August - two hours apart. 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). 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. Hiswife Michele, a 1991 Colonia High School graduate, had a large acoustic neuroma on her left side, which is life-threatening if left untreated. 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. "That started setting off bells and whistles in my head.". 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