colonia high school brain tumors

On March 29, 2022, Lupiano wrote an article in a local newsletter, asking for help to identify people who developed the brain tumors, to collect data to plan further steps for answers to a probably cause. "I started doing some research and the three became five, the five became seven, the seven became 15," Lupiano said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The school was built in 1967 and currently serves roughly 1,300 students, the NY Post noted. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano tells NBC4 New . Komorek, Lupiano and several other parents criticized the assessment which did not include taking soil or water samples for not being thorough enough to put their minds at ease, despite assurances from state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. Lupiano was diagnosed with a rare and abnormally large brain tumour Acoustic Neuroma (AN) in 1999 when he was just 27 years old. It's not something in soil," Lupiano said to CBS News. He holds a doctorate in pathobiology from Columbia University and is an alum of the science communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Concerns were raised by Al Lupiano, a 1989 graduate of Colonia High School, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor along with his wife Michele and sister Angela DeCillis, both of whom had also attended the school. It should also be noted that not all the reports of primary brain tumors are cancerous. "In conclusion, the results of the radiological investigation at the high school and grounds are within the normal variation of background radiation levels in New Jersey and are therefore not indicative of concern over radiological exposure to individuals at the site," state DEP Commisioner Shawn LaTourette wrote in a letter to the township. Such odds help to explain the public surprise after NJ Advance Media reported in early April that New Jerseyans living in the neighboring communities of Woodbridge and Colonia have developed various forms of brain tumors. Theyre testing the air for radon. They said they took your temperature. This is also great news for all former students who attended and staff to work at CHS since it opened back in 1968., McCormac said they sympathize with anyone who has experienced brain tumors and brain cancers, especially those who lost loved ones to the terrible disease, but there is no cause-and-effect relation between those illnesses and the buildings or grounds at CHS.. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily. By pairing specialists and experts in the field of cancer with robust resources, facilities, and technologies, Hackensack Meridian Cancer Care is committed to getting patients back to the life they love. He was diagnosed 20 years ago. Township officials have posted the radiological reports on the township website at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us. DeCillis died in February from glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer. Social media has played a big role in shining the light of truth on this situation. That's what makes the numbers staggering," says Lupiano. 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. McCormac says last Saturday, environmentalists placed random canisters inside the school to collect air samples. 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. That is the conclusion federal, state, county and township officials concluded after weeks of radiological testing inside and outside of school grounds in April and May. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. No one knows exactly what it is. ", ALSO READ | Onlookers urged police to charge into TX school: 'Go in there! ', * 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. Thats what makes the numbers staggering, says Lupiano. It's not air. (RELATED: Video Shows Man Repeatedly Running Over Woman With SUV After Minor Incident). However, I still think we need to expedite the next phase of testing including water, soil, and air, to determine if more than one contaminant is present, he said. Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac immediately and responsibly got engaged. The New Jersey state Department of Health. In April, the township entered an emergency agreement with T&M Associates, of Middletown, for professional environmental engineering services for a radiological assessment of Colonia High in an amount not to exceed $221,350. $4 Million Settlement Mass Torts $203 Million Class Action Financial Services $75 Million Class Action Mass Torts $200 Million Class Action Lupiano, his wife Michele (CHS Class of 1991) and his sister Angela (CHS Class of 1995) were all diagnosed with rare, similar sized brain tumors on the left side. Listed on 2023-03-02. The results will then be reviewed by federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, plus the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health. She loves a good music pun and wakes up very very early. He said he is specifically looking for anyone who graduated from or attend Colonia High School from approximately 1975 to 1995. I didnt feel that my kids were safe there until actual soil, groundwater and air samples were collected and nobody wanted to do it.. Lupiano said the rarity of the brain tumors raised concerns of the neurologist they shared since they all grew up in relatively the same neighborhood. Since March . Unfortunately, that didnt happen.. 2023 New York Public Radio. The incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people. The investigation started earlier this year after a stunning number of cancer cases in people who had a connection to the school. In presenting her findings, Komorek urged the district to share her findings with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Its not air. Advocates, for months, implored state and local officials to undertake more testing. We contacted the author of the post, former student and former resident Al Lupiano, and offered to help, McCormac said. . Unfortunately, hers was terminal, and she died in February. Just simple math in my head having a husband and wife with this tumor, which arent related and then to have my sister with a blastoma, I knew something was wrong, Lupiano says. Sign up for Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com, this resolution approved at their April 5 meeting, Brain Tumor Link To Colonia High School 'Credible,' Town's Mayor Says. Is it a cancer cluster or just a coincidence? The ground and air testing will begin on Saturday. Please consider subscribing to NJ.com. The conversation is available below. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist,. 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. If you are an alumni or staff member of Colonia High School and have developed a brain tumor, contact MLG today! Environmental scientist Al Lupiano is among 94 former students and staff from Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, who have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. The pool is getting a new liner, gutter and deck, along with new filtration systems. As the school remains open during the investigation, some students are concerned. Were all concerned, and we all want to get to the bottom of this. They said it was about a one in a billion odds. katherine noelle wyman; cape breton post obituaries 2022. location symbol text in word; list of female jockeys australia; mike conley house columbus ohio address BSN or must obtain within 3 years. Mayor McCormac says the Environmental Protection Agency is now involved. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. All of the cases have ties to Colonia High School, either as students or employees. Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, found no traces of radiological contaminants. This is when a low-level radioactive rock was found and removed from the school grounds. And today we now stand at 117 individuals with primary brain tumors, and another 70 with very rare cancers.". So that has already begun. Job specializations: Healthcare. He said in 40 years of neurology, he had never heard of a married couple that both had the same type of primary brain tumor. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. At the time, the medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. Dr. Joseph Massimino, superintendent of Woodbridge Township School District has commented that they are waiting for more details and formulating next steps, in coordination with New Jersey environmental agencies. His wife graduated in 1991. Both sisters were graduates of Colonia High School. We will continue to keep you informed as we develop a plan of action based on the advice of our experts.. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, Lawrence Township League of Women Voters announces 2022 leadership award winners, No criminal charges for Hillsborough police officer in 2021 fatal shooting, Vigil marks one-year anniversary of Ukrainian War. We have to really take a look at it," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. "My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day, I talk to her all the time," Wisinski said. Lupiano is still looking for any and all Colonia High School alumni to come forward. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lupiano has spearheaded a public push for answers after he started a Facebook group focused on former Colonia students and the rare brain cancer, the outlet noted. In an acknowledgement of the significance of Komoreks findings, the district sent out a statement to parents and guardians Monday evening. "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. Janice's sister Chery Black also died from brain cancer in 2015. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. While generally only life threatening if left untreated, radiation and surgical removal typically leaves individuals with numerous debilitations including chronic headaches, balance issues, fatigue, deafness, slurred speech, inability to blink, and facial paralysis (to name only a few), and that assumes it doesnt begin to regrow in the future. "The EPA and CDC are not testing at Colonia High School," said Hagerty. CHS is the one link of all three of them. That is the question residents are hoping to answer in the Colonia section of Woodbridge. How many people do we mean here? Also, just on Monday Gov. A A. He started researching and made a public plea on Facebook to anyone from the school who was diagnosed with primary brain tumors. Federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. Lupiano, an environmental scientist and industrial engineer, picked up on a trend. 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 of brain tumors, cancers, and other central nervous disorders in former students and staff members. Is it a cancer cluster or a coincidence? The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. She also cautioned that additional toxins could be present at the school because she described her initial testing as very limited, meaning it did not include taking air samples or probing deep into the soil or groundwater. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006, (RELATED: Video Shows Man Repeatedly Running Over Woman With SUV After Minor Incident). All of the cases have ties to Colonia High School, either as students or employees. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. 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. A few weeks ago, we very suddenly and tragically lost my 44-year-old sister Angela (CHS-95) to a very rare and highly aggressive malignant glioma brain tumor (Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)) discovered on her left side, he wrote in the newsletter. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. Mar 30, 2022 The Wanted's Tom Parker Dies at 33 After Brain Tumor Battle Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between Colonia High School and brain. Lupiano's sister, Angela, died on February 17 from Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. Jason Wisinski is another person affected by the spate of tumor cases. Middlesex County's Colonia High School, located in Woodbridge, has made national headlines in recent weeks after over 100 former students and faculty were found to have been diagnosed with. The institute predicts about 290,000 people will develop breast cancer in 2022 compared to 25,000 for brain cancer. Lupiano told CBS News New York that"Fast forward to August of last year My sister received the news she had a primary brain tumor, herself. There could be a real problem here, and our residents deserve to know if there are any dangers, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said, according to the outlet. He made a public plea on Facebook to anyone from the school who was diagnosed with primary brain tumors. "100as of midnight Sunday 4/10, I recorded the 100th case of someone having a primary brain tumor," Lupiano wrote on Facebook last Monday, April 11. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. Nearly 100 people attending a single high school in New Jersey have developed rare forms of brain cancer. Lupiano also says people who did not attend the school but live nearby have gotten in touch with him to express their concerns. His wife Michelle graduated in 1991. Woodbridge Township is paying T&M Associates $221,350 to do the radon testing. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Al Lupiano revealed he had a brain tumor 20 years ago, before his wife had one and so did his sister - who died in February aged just 44. What treatments are available for the afflicted? Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. The couple's neurologist was baffled. COLONIA, N.J. - Radiation tests are being done at Colonia High School in New Jersey after more than 100 people were diagnosed with rare brain tumors. Image: Unsplash. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lupiano, an environmental scientist, began researching the matter and reaching out to people on Facebook who had attended the school and been diagnosed with primary brain tumors. Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com. Lupiano has confirmed that he will not stop until he finds out what has happened here over the years at Colonia High School. That's a huge number for such a small region. For her part, Komorek said she took it upon herself to do the independent testing for my own peace of mind, to sleep at night, and for my girls to remain at the school., I was hoping it was going to come back negative, she added. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). What I find alarming is theres truly only one environmental link to primary brain tumors and thats ionizing radiation. All rights reserved (About Us). Woodbridge will not get preliminary test results until after this Saturday, April 23, said Hagerty. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. I just felt like there were a lot of unanswered questions regarding the school, Komorek told NJ Advance Media. But even more rare was the fact that his wife and sister later found out that they had similar medical conditions. Other toxic elements and compounds could exist at the schools property due to presence of suspected fill material, potential illegal disposal of chemicals or contaminant migration from surrounding properties, Komorek stated in her letter. WOODBRIDGE - Work is underway to create a portal for people with ties to Colonia High School who have developed brain tumors to share information with the New Jersey Department of Health. Lupianos wife was also diagnosed with a brain tumor, the NY Post reported. But public health experts are cautioning against deeming the tumor cases a "cancer cluster" just yet. Exterior shots of Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School graduate is on a mission to answer that question after discovering more than 80 fe. Three of the victims are Al Lupiano, his wife Michelle, and his sister Angele Decillis. utah778/Getty Work began on . Qualifications: Current and valid New Jersey Registered Nurse license is required. Our sister station WABC-TV has reached out to the EPA for comment. If you were affected or have a tumor or rare cancer, I need your assistance," his Facebook post read. Radiologic Technologist Per Diem. The testers are specifically testing for radon levels in the air after 1989 Colonia High School grad Al Lupiano proposed this theory that he found an unusually high number of brain. Hochul deflects when asked about 'good cause' eviction bill, Judge: Former coach's discrimination lawsuit against New York Giants and NFL can proceed, Supreme Court justices pour water on NYs push to save mob-busting seaport watchdog, NJ Legislature OKs bill to make landlords, sellers warn residents about past floods. Its not something in soil. Officials are looking for potential radiation at the school. The mother of two Colonia High students who believed not enough environmental testing was done in the aftermath of reports of a possible brain tumor cluster connected to the school told NJ Advance Media she has found evidence of highly toxic chemicals at Colonia through her own independent testing. There may need to be other steps taken. It will take about two weeks. "We're just going to wait to find out. In a statement to CBS News, Lupiano said he is anxiously awaiting the results of the two-week-long radiological survey which concluded this weekend and he anticipates he will receive the results in weeks. Jason Wisinski lost his wife, Janice, 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. As of Thursday, Lupiano said he has confirmed 65 cases of people with rare brain tumors and they all are either Colonia High School graduates or had worked there, he says. "That started setting off bells and whistles in my head.". She made it five years," said Jason Wisinski. The mother, Edyta Komorek, who has worked as an environmental scientist since 2006, said she collected dust, window caulk and soil samples from Colonia that tested for excessive levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide all carcinogenic compounds that can lead to cancer and other diseases. So, would you take us through what is known so far about this cluster? The statewide graduation rate fell slightly, from 91% in 2019-20 to 90.6%. "I had recalled two family friends, the Black sisters, had also passed of these brain tumors," Lupiano said. Most of them during the years of 1972 to 2000, said Matthew Stanmyre with NJ Advance Media, who broke the news. "Woodbridge Township contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CDC, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (which is part of CDC), and the state Department of Health last week, and we've begun initial discussions with them.". WWE Star Sonya Deville Arrested In Atlantic City On Gun Charge, Atlantic City Official & Council Candidate Facing Assault Charge, Former Press of Atlantic City Office Building To Get New Purpose, Atlantic City Area Residents Share Favorite Childhood Memories, Atlantic City, NJ Mayor Leading Free Resident Credit Repair Effort, Atlantic City, NJ Area Great Hurricane Of 1944 (AMAZING PHOTOS), Atlantic Citys Chris Ford Proved That Nice Guys Finish First, NJ Author Discusses What We Can Do to Address Bullying in Schools. I had stage 4 cancer. Print |. Hill: Brain tumors, relative to other types of cancer, are typically rare but can be very lethal. "I went on Facebook on March 7, and I asked for the people on Facebook to help me find others. Columns with an asterisk or 'N' indicate there was no data or it was suppressed to protect student privacy. Two hours later, we received information that my wife also had a primary brain tumor, said Lupiano. Lupiano was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) when he was 27 years old, about 25 years ago. They learned of their tumors just eight days apart, while Janice was pregnant with her and Jason's only child. 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 . Nsikan was previously at National Geographic where he worked as a science editor, overseeing its COVID-19 coverage in addition to other topics in science, health and technology. Hill: Brain tumors, relative to other types of cancer, are typically rare but can be very lethal. Her sister, Cheryl Black also died from brain cancer in 2015. The cause hasn't been discovered yet, but some researchers suspect . "I started doing some research and the three became five, the five became seven, the seven became 15," said Lupiano. 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. Komorek presented her findings Monday to Woodbridge superintendent Joseph Massimino, Colonia principal Kenneth Pace and Woodbridge Education Association president Brian Geoffroy. I made a promise to my sister while she was dying that if something did this to us, I will find out what did it, Lupiano says. 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. Earlier this spring . Dr. Marc Siegel discusses brain tumors that emerged among former Colonia High School students on 'Tucker Carlson Tonight.' Local and federal environmental agencies say they are assisting. Through his posts, Lupiano, CHS Class of 1989, wanted to find out if CHS is the cause of primary brain tumors that have affected more than 100 former students and staff. My best friend had a cancerous brain tumor. 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. An alumnus of Colonia High School in Woodbridege, N.J. is investigating his former high school, claiming he has counted 115 people who attended or worked there to have had a rare brain. As the Senior Producer for Morning Edition on WNYC, Alec works hard to get listeners all the latest news and delightful stories from New York City, northern New Jersey and beyond. Angela has four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High School. Komorek said the results of her testing indicate state environmental officials should conduct further tests of the air, soil and building compounds at Colonia. An investigation into the possible link between Colonia High School and cancer found no radiological hazards that warranted further investigation.

Crew Gaines Health Problems, Best Maine Basketball Player Ever, Britannica Encyclopedia Set 15th Edition, Articles C