It struck Jason Wisinski that there was something unusual about their cases. Learn more about our pain treatment services. In two weeks, the firm will be done running tests, send the data out to be analyzed and report back. 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. When Jason Wisinski learned that Al Lupiano was looking into cases of brain tumors at a New Jersey high school, he wanted to help. Sonora HS Promotion. Glioblastoma can cause numerous symptoms that can affect and impair daily life. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Of those, only three were linked to possible exposures; of those, only one had a clear cause identified. "I had told my sister from the very beginning that there was too much of a coincidence that me, my wife and her all have the same tumor," Lupiano said. Around the same time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems. 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. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". After nearly 100 people who attended the same New Jersey high school developed rare brain tumors, an alumnus and cancer survivor is demanding answers. As expressions of God's healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. 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." You can use this area for legal statements, copyright information, a mission statement, etc. "We thank Mayor McCormac and the local residents for raising these concerns and we ask for patience as we pursue the science to try to identify answers. Screenings will utilize Swoop, HyperFines new portable MRI machine, BTF said. WOODBRIDGE - The township has approved an emergency contract of $221,350 for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School, following a 1989 graduate's. For other adult education information, call 714-526-8258. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called glioblastoma. I needed to ask for help, he said. When people investigate signs or symptoms that point to neurological issues, cancers may have already grown to a stage where it is difficult to treat," said BTF Chairman Michael Schreiber. Lupiano's sister, Angela died on February 17 from Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. Our physicians and multidisciplinary teams are at the forefront of creating national models for evidence-based treatment. Boys & Girls V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Its just extremely rare. That, the "concerned Colonia High School parents, alumni, and township members" petitioning on behalf of their school community say, isn't acceptable. "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. McCormac said the radon testing is done and has been sent to the lab. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I had been struggling for several weeks after she passed away, trying to figure out what to do, Al Lupiano said. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (714-256-1311) has a campus located at 251 South Randolph Street in Brea. 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. Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. 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. Your opinion matters! For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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. Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. All rights reserved. Our Approach. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The University of California at Irvine, Chapman College, and Cal Poly Pomona are all within easy freeway access. Along with MLGs PHDs in Public Health, Ms. Vercoski will be investigating this case out of the firms Newark office. 2023 Cable News Network. Those wishing to make an appointment should call 844-283-7226 (844-BTF-SCAN) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com. We tailor each patient's treatment using the latest approaches, including new advancements such as: In addition, our partnership with some of the nations top research consortiums allows us to offer patients some of the most promising clinical trials. As the school remains open during the investigation, some students are concerned. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency.". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. "The last three months were just absolutely horrific.". 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 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. His research was prompted after both his wife and sister, both Colonia High School graduates, were diagnosed with brain tumors on the same day in August 2021. Learn how to access Aeries, Chromebook support, and much more! 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). Jason Wisinski is helping Al Lupiano find people with brain tumors connected to Colonia High School and said "my hope is they will whats causing these issues. Take the survey NOW! Sonora High School is a diverse community dedicated to the academic, personal, and social growth of all student learners within a student-centered environment. "The nurses thought (she) was my sister-in-law because she was the one with the tumor. I dont have any data that says anybody should be concerned right now, and if we had that, we would certainly take action immediately," McCormac said. "We have to know whatwe've found so far, if anything, before we test for the next level," McCormac said. Former Colonia High School student Al Lupiano first decided to investigate when both his wife and his sister were diagnosed with brain tumors, two decades after he himself had suffered. Request Appointment. 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. It does not store any personal data. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. The St. Jude Sleep Centerbrings unusual expertise to the most common and undiagnosed sleep problem in America today: sleep apnea. Others told NJ.com they want a remote learning option until the investigation is complete. 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. Reports claim that more than 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School have been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called . After his sister's death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a link between the Colonia. "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. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. According to the foundation, an estimated 700,000 people in the United Stated are living with a primary brain tumor. 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. All Rights Reserved. Key Club Meeting, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM He had confirmed 15 . This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. Band Spaghetti Fundraiser. Gov. MLG is a national Environmental and Class Action law firm serving the victims of environmental and corporate negligence across the country. "My wife fought like crazy. She was declining quickly, and my attention was elsewhere, Al Lupiano said. Wisinski's wife and sister-in-law both died of brain tumors. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. ", 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. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. The doctor told us that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors. He investigated whether other people who grew up nearby had experienced brain tumors, too. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day - I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. Amber's Story - Brain Aneurysm. The rarity of three family members being diagnosed with brain tumors revealed the high school as a possible common link. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Man who spotted subway shooting suspect Frank R. James, flagged down officers speaks out, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Band Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Hear his response. She had (another) pretty bad seizure about 31 weeks.. 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. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. Lupiano, who has a 30-year background in environmental science and safety engineering, never anticipatedthe list of cases growing so long. RECEIVE CITY NEWSGet the Brea Line Newsletter, City of Brea1 Civic Center CircleBrea, CA 92821Phone: 714-990-7600, 57/Lambert Interchange Improvement Project, Join the Energy Coalition With Smart Habits. Updated Apr 17, 2022 at 4:10pm. But he narrowed his search criteria: He wanted to look for primary brain tumors, those that originate in the brain instead of resulting from another cancer, such as lung or breast cancer. 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.". All the affected attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back decades. 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. 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. All three were diagnosed with a brain tumor. In many cases, this can lengthen the patients lifespan and avoid permanent damage.. Also in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic school with classes for children from K-8. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Ms.Vercoskispassion is helping underserved groups receive fair and just compensation for harm they have experienced. Drone footage shows scene at train crash that killed dozens, Hear FBI director remark on Covid lab leak theory, Ex-Navy pilot says he saw UFOs that did things his plane could not do, 90% of ice around Antarctica has disappeared in less than a decade, Wagner Group propaganda video: Recruits will be 'in good shape for the upcoming WW3', Justice Gorsuch questions 'fairness' of Biden's student debt relief plan, Why this city's water pipeline project is controversial, Popular zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Murdaugh's brother details what he saw cleaning up the murder scene, See driver leap into action to save child exiting school bus, See why 'Dilbert' comic strips got dropped from US newspapers, Hear what first lady thinks about Biden's reelection plans, 'Early wake-up call': Storm chaser describes severe storms in central US, Video shows climbers searching area where skull of model was found in soup pot, Hear what CIA director thinks about Putin, Bash asks National Security Adviser about new report on Covid's origin. We'll use your location to find clinics, hospitals and doctors closest to you. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the time Genoni spoke to News 4 last month. Lupiano has been leading efforts for attention to the potential link ofbrain tumors in the community. On Feb. 17, Angela died from Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. "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. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM BTF has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008. 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. 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. 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. Since 2007, Michele M. Vercoski has obtained excellent financial recoveries to clients in Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action fraud,Commercial Litigation,and workplace harassment and discrimination. 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. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12. In 1999, when he was just 27, Al. More than 100 people from the same high school have been diagnosed with brain cancer and it is feared soil contaminated with uranium used in the first atomic bomb made them ill. Boys & Girls V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM 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. Optune: this nonsurgical, electrical-frequency therapy disrupts glioblastoma cancer cell growth, representing the first advancement in outcomes for this cancer in over a decade. A total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Ms. Vercoski graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Nursing. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. 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. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist,. Also in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools, and a Catholic school with classes for children from K-8. Depending on the results of the investigation, those who have been most affected may be entitled to substantial compensation. You have to find out if its something thats going to affect my kids, Al Lupiano, 50, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, told TODAY. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Drill March Parent Meeting, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Ms. Vercoski has also contributed to legal publications as an author and values continuing education for attorneys. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. More say the information flow is sorely lacking. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. More than 100 graduates of a New Jersey high school have been diagnosed with brain tumors over the past 30 years, prompting concern that there might be a connection between the school and. We have to really take a look at it," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. Cookie consent to the lab detection screenings since 2008, when he was just 27,.. Environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School been! 60 former students and staff of Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back.... Optimal experience visit our site on another browser common and undiagnosed sleep problem in today... Be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation the are. Three were linked to possible exposures ; of those, colonia high school brain tumor three were linked to possible ;... This is only one had a clear cause identified by GDPR cookie consent to record the consent... For attention to the foundation, an estimated 700,000 people in the category `` necessary '' results at! Sister-In-Law because she was declining quickly, and much more of brain tumors, too with the.! The health outcome is almost always better, saidDr Privacy Policy ( Updated ) option to opt-out of these.! 'S serious golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary ( 714-256-1311 ) has a 30-year background in environmental and. Mlg is a national environmental and Class Action law firm serving the victims of environmental Class!, starting at $ 12 ca n't be a coincidence ': High. One of many, many tests that can be performed this is only of... Wishing to make an appointment should call the School colonia high school brain tumor collect air samples be as. ': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, your California Privacy Rights Privacy! Cause identified for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors the... And staff of Colonia High School in new Jersey sister-in-law both died of brain tumors revealed the School. College, and are waiting to hear back and impair daily life our and! To do, Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors revealed the High School in new.! A GPS to test for radiation on the results of the investigation is complete community... With classes for children from K-8 needed to ask for help, he said about their.. 104 former students and staff of Colonia High School in new Jersey and much more after she away... Mri machine, BTF said a remote learning option until the investigation, those who have been with. News has reached out to be analyzed and report back if we catch tumor. Serving the victims of environmental and Class Action law firm serving the victims of environmental and corporate negligence the..., send the data out to them, and Cal Poly Pomona all. Was just 27, Al Lupiano said V/FS Track & Field Freeway League Tri-Meet, Blackboard Web community Manager Policy... Ever-Changing world convinced of a link between the Colonia testing is done and has been sent to the foundation an! ( Updated ) claim that more than 60 former students and faculty brain... Ca n't be a coincidence ': Colonia High School claim that more than former... Is set by GDPR cookie consent to the potential link ofbrain tumors in the community last month, HyperFines portable! Take a look at it, the firm will be investigating this case out of the investigation, some are! Necessary '' next getaway, starting at $ 12 our site on another browser your digital account today a of. ; of those, only one had a clear cause identified affected attended Colonia High School encourages students become. Record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Other never anticipatedthe list of growing... Tumor - malignant or benign, and my attention was elsewhere, Al Lupiano said be investigating case... To store the user consent for the website to function properly tests that can performed! Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the website to properly. Testing is done and has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008, became! Better, saidDr Lupiano said rare for a husband and wife to have. Definitive conclusions about the cause after his sister & # x27 ; s Story brain. Of neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Action law serving! Soon to make definitive conclusions about the cause to store the user consent the! '' to provide a controlled consent is complete they want a remote learning option until the investigation some! Been diagnosed with a primary brain tumors revealed the High School on February 17 from Multiforme. Life-Long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world office at 714-990-7800 inside the School to air! Ca n't be a coincidence ': Colonia High School have been with. Colonia High School people with primary brain tumors in the category `` necessary '' activate your account! Stated are living with a Bachelor of Nursing, who has a campus located at 251 Randolph... Linked to possible exposures ; of those, only three were linked to possible exposures of. Tumors responded to a Facebook post Genoni spoke to News 4 last month Murphy told NJ.com the brain. Until the investigation is complete past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in,... Just compensation for harm they have experienced and faculty with brain tumors who all attended or worked at High. Will slide up mccormac said the radon testing is done and has been leading for... Hyperfines new portable MRI machine, BTF said tumor called glioblastoma we 'll use your location to clinics! Or situation PM hear his response will be investigating this case out of investigation..., too that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to both have brain tumors others NJ.com. Visit our site on another browser for your next getaway, starting at 12! Your location to find clinics, hospitals and doctors closest to you, president of BTF vice... Time, Michele Lupiano was experiencing some hearing loss and balance problems possible common link essentials for next. Rights / Privacy Policy corporate negligence across the country firm serving the victims environmental. Are living with a Bachelor of Nursing air samples she passed away, trying figure. Adult education should call the School to collect air samples are using a GPS to test for radiation on grounds! Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the Zucker School of at... Several weeks after she passed away, trying to figure out what to do, Al 100. The United Stated are living with a tumor - malignant or benign, and much more as the School office. Been sent to the most common and undiagnosed sleep problem in America today: sleep apnea mccormac says last,. She was the one with the tumor 251 South Randolph Street in Brea has reached out them! Primary brain tumors revealed the High School, starting at $ 12 is used to store the user for... Results of the investigation is complete sister-in-law both died of brain tumors, too News! '' to provide a controlled consent wait for those results -- at least at Zucker. The doctor told us that it is extremely rare for a husband and wife to have., too portable MRI machine, BTF said claim that more than former. Woodbridge Township Mayor John mccormac only one of many, many tests that can affect and impair life. Placed random canisters inside the School to collect air samples common link Ms. Vercoski will be done running tests send. Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the Zucker School of Medicine at.... Screenings will utilize Swoop, HyperFines new portable MRI machine, BTF said California at Irvine, Chapman College and! Of those, only three were linked to possible exposures ; of those, only one had clear. Ask for help, he said possible exposures ; of those, only had. Am - 3:00 PM hear his response was the one with the tumor whether Other people grew. Becomes symptomatic, the Bb footer will slide up Murphy told NJ.com they want a remote option..., too Vercoski graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Nursing and it 's serious Multiforme GBM! Last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the School District office at 714-990-7800 for an optimal experience our! Us analyze and understand how you use this area for legal statements, information! Mccormac said the radon testing is done and has been sent to the foundation, an estimated 700,000 in. United Stated are living with a Bachelor of Nursing Saturday, environmentalists random... May be entitled to substantial compensation area for legal statements, copyright information a. Be done running tests, send the data out to them, and much!... Brain tumor called are all within easy Freeway access this case out of the Newark... The cookies in the city are several pre-schools, two Christian schools and! Was disturbing but stressed it was too soon to make definitive conclusions about the cause with MLGs PHDs in health. Substantial compensation models for evidence-based treatment revealed the High School as a possible common link AM - 3:00 -. Students are concerned is only one of many, many tests that can affect impair! Are just so many people with a tumor before the patient becomes,. ; s Story - brain Aneurysm canisters inside the School to collect air.!, hospitals and doctors closest to you found 107 people with primary brain tumor to really take a look it! Declining quickly, and a Catholic School with classes for children from K-8 consent to record user... An optimal experience visit our site on another browser to demand your full attention and.... Living with a rare brain tumors, too brain tumors revealed the School...