These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Incoming Freshmen Registration (A-M), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 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). Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. "I do think there needs to be greater emphasis placed upon moving to conduct the next phase of sampling. COLONIA, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. She had (another) pretty bad seizure about 31 weeks.. Lupiano, an environmental scientist, said he has confirmed 65 cases of people with rare brain tumors, adding the common denominator is they were all Colonia High School graduates or had. After Jason Wisinki's wife and sister-in-law, who both attended Colonia High School, died from brain tumors, the 51-year-old from Hunterdon, New Jersey, who did not attend Colonia, contacted Lupiano through Facebook. We kept saying, Well, we grew up in the same township, Al Lupiano said. The foundations work is part of a formal research study in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine/NY-Presbyterian in New York. 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.". 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. 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. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. I had been struggling for several weeks after she passed away, trying to figure out what to do, Al Lupiano said. If you are one of the former students or staff who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, we want to hear from you. When Wisinskis sister-in-law Cheryl Black was recovering from surgery to remove her grade 2 oligodendroglioma in 2007, his wife, Janice Wisinski, who was 29 weeks pregnant, started having a seizure in Black's hospital room, he recalled. She made it five years," said Jason Wisinski. Earlier:'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases. Chantee Lans has more. 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. 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). Despite the number of cases, officials first have to determine if scientific evidence indeed indicates a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. We bring together more than a dozen specialties, life-saving research and a relentless commitment to advancing patient outcomes, giving our patients the very best opportunity to recover and heal. Learn more about our mission, vision and values. 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hiswife Michele, a 1991 Colonia High School graduate, had a large acoustic neuroma on her left side, which is life-threatening if left untreated. CNN's Ana Cabrera speaks to Al Lupiano, a former student. As DeCillis health declined, Al Lupiano started wondering why the three of them had brain tumors. Mayor sees no need for more cancer testing at Colonia High School, No radiological hazards found at Colonia High School, no further testing planned, 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. BTF has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008. 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. 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. "My wife fought like crazy. The results of those tests will determine the township's next steps, Mayor John McCormac said, adding Woodbridge also is working with the state Department of Health to develop a portal for people to provide more detailed medical information to confirm the accuracy of the list. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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." 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. All Rights Reserved. They made sure she was OK, made sure the babys OK. 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. These low-level contaminations can be very difficult to prove as a cancer cluster because there are going to be a lot of other schools with the same level of contamination there, (and) they have dont brain cancers.. In 1999, when he was just 27, Al. They thought it had to do with the pregnancy.They couldnt do an MRI on Janice Wisinski, so they did a CT scan and saw a mass on the left side of her brain. Its just like both of you being struck by lightning." By Thanksgiving, DeCillis' cognitive abilities deteriorated. One review of 576 cancer cluster investigations over 20 years published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology found only 72 actually had increased rates of cancer. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". He started researching and made a public plea on Facebook to anyone from the school who was diagnosed with primary brain tumors. ", 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. More than 200 people have signed an online petition demanding a public meeting with state officials in New Jersey and federal authorities over concerns about a medical mystery at a high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors. Band Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM "The federal and the state governments all know what the facts are to date and have not expressed any immediate concern. But, according to the Change.org petition launched Tuesday, complete results aren't even anticipated to be received until the end of May. Senior Financial Aid, 1:04 PM - 1:34 PM (The doctor) just looked at me and said, Ive been doing this a long time. The. Request Appointment. Mayor McCormac says the Environmental Protection Agency is now involved. NeuroBlate: using this minimally invasive surgical tool, which combines robotics, lasers, temperature mapping and sophisticated software, our neurosurgeons are able to ablate complex brain lesions with extreme precision. Learn more about our pain treatment services. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much All the affected attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back decades. 2023 Cable News Network. "That started setting off bells and whistles in my head.". "The nurses thought (she) was my sister-in-law because she was the one with the tumor. Learn how to access Aeries, Chromebook support, and much more! "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. Phil Murphy told NJ.com the possible brain tumor cluster was disturbing but stressed it was too soon to make definitive conclusions about the cause. We encourage families and individuals in the Woodbridge area to take advantage of this opportunity for free early detection screening for brain tumors. When DeCillis started having symptoms, Michele Lupiano made an appointment for an MRI. Boys & Girls V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The screenings will be held 9a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22-24 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-30 at Joy's Dance House, 747 King Georges Road in the Fords section. 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. Take the survey NOW! Cheer March Parent Meeting, 1:04 PM - 1:34 PM Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Higher Education 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. Gov. The doctor told us that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors. Earlier this year, 1989 Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s. Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. Radon canisters were placed throughout the building to collect radon measurements and additional testing was scheduled for last week while the school, built in 1967, was closed for spring break. That conversation inspired Al Lupiano to do some research. Football Junior High Strength Camp, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. St. Judes Center for Neuro-Oncology is guided by our commitment to finding new and better answers for our patients with brain cancer. 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. After his sister's death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a link between the Colonia. He promised her he would find out the reason for the family's brain tumors. But patience appears to be wearing thin among some in the community, judging by the petition. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. On Feb. 17, Angela died from Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. His wife and sister found out on the same day last August - two hours apart. Brain tumors represent the highest per-patient initial cost of care for any cancer group with an annualized mean net cost of care approaching $150,000; and the highest annualized mean net costs for last-year-of-life care, relative to other cancers, at $135,000 to $210,000 (depending on age and sex) per patient. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. Medical experts are urging caution but also advising that there is no need for residents to panic. NHS Weekly Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Thanks to social media, Lupiano found a total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors - about half are cancerous. The St. Jude Neurosciences Institute is a nationally recognized leader in successfully treating a wide range of neurological conditions. When a former student at Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, realized that he, his wife and his sister all had brain tumors, he wondered if something about their high school could have caused them. Our fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and neurointerventional radiologists utilize these and other leading-edge technologies to provide expert care for the full range of neurosurgical conditions, from brain injuries and complex brain tumors to nerve compression and herniated disks. She left the nursing profession in 2001 to pursue a legal career with a special emphasis on using her nursing knowledge to help those in legal need. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Ms. Vercoski can be reached directly at mmv@mccunewright.com. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ultimately, if it isnt a radiation source that is causing these illnesses, Lupiano says other tests can be done to pinpoint a cause. Over 100 cases of brain tumors and other cancers have been discovered in former students of Colonia High School, constituting a cancer cluster according to Stanford's Dr. Paul Graham. You have to find out if its something thats going to affect my kids, Al Lupiano, 50, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, told TODAY. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. If requested, BTF can refer the patient to a qualified medical specialist for further investigation and treatment. All rights reserved. "We absolutely have concerns, the Democrat told NJ.com. 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. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. I said, Im going to go on Facebook and either find answers or make myself look foolish and put out what I found and open myself up to the ridicule of science.. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. Earlier this year, Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist and Colonia High School graduate, discovered more than 115 people who spent time at the school had a rare brain tumor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); $203 MillionClass ActionFinancial Services, $200 MillionClass ActionProduct Liability. We were told we have to make a decision on when to have the baby versus when were supposed to have surgery to try to remove the tumor, he said. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. For information about local community college classes, call Fullerton Community College at 714-992-7000. Amber's Story - Brain Aneurysm. What is graupel? 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. More say the information flow is sorely lacking. A total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. Ms. Vercoski graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Nursing. She believesassisting her fellow neighbors and friends can help elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the need for systemic change. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. St. Judes neurosurgery program is one of the most advanced in the nation. DeCillis started showing stroke-like symptoms and went to the hospital in August 2021. New Jersey NJ Parents Demand Swifter Action in School Cancer Probe After 100+ Brain Tumors Diagnosed More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff over a 30-year period. Academic Saturday School, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM 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 2022 death of his 44-year-old sister with a malignant brain tumor,just months after she had been diagnosed. Because the school remains open, we demand greater urgency to find out if potentially harmful substances are harming our children and staff at Colonia High School.". He was successfully treated for it, though he has lingering side effects, including slight deafness, fatigue and dizziness. "The agencies acknowledged their concerns regarding the potential cancer cluster, but are not conducting any testing aside from radiation and radon that the Township undertook, even though the school remains open. 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. Screenings will utilize Swoop, HyperFines new portable MRI machine, BTF said. Earlier this month, the township approved an emergency $221,350 contract for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School. Did you encounter any technical issues? Facebook Colonia High School. "I had recalled two family friends, the Black sisters, had also passed of these brain tumors," Lupiano said. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Ms. Vercoski has also contributed to legal publications as an author and values continuing education for attorneys. 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. In two weeks, the firm will be done running tests, send the data out to be analyzed and report back. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Of those, only three were linked to possible exposures; of those, only one had a clear cause identified. If you are a Colonia High School graduate, student, or staff member who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, contact MLG today to participate in the investigation. 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. A man investigating his former high school in New Jersey says he has counted 115 people who attended or worked there have had a rare brain tumor. I called him and asked him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. Key Club Meeting, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM He had confirmed 15 . A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. I was feeling lost, and I had remembered this study that I had started, and I made a promise to her that I wasnt going to stop.. In addition to Ms. Vercoskis medical and legal expertise in environmental areas, MLG has an in-house team of lawyers and public health professionals, including two PhDs in public health, who are ready to lead the investigation to protect current and former students and staff of Colonia High School against the fallout from this rare brain tumor. 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. Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. 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