She believesassisting her fellow neighbors and friends can help elevate the entire community and shine a spotlight on the need for systemic change. 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. 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. Set your location to find care near you. Request Appointment. IE 11 is not supported. 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. 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. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much "I dont know that we know enough yet to be definitive in terms of causation, et cetera.". "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. New residents seeking information on elementary, junior and senior high schools, or adult education should call the School District Office at 714-990-7800. Some students living south of Imperial Highway and east of Placentia Avenue are served by the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (K-12). "I need your help Facebook. Its just like both of you being struck by lightning." Advanced Neurological Care. They made sure she was OK, made sure the babys OK. 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. 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. ", 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. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. 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. What is graupel? Football Junior High Strength Camp, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM The township dedicated funds to hire an environmental engineering firm to start various tests at Colonia High School for possible contaminants in and around the school. They learned of their tumors eight days apart. The rarity of three family members being diagnosed with brain tumors revealed the high school as a possible common link. Many of these symptoms can prove especially dangerous for those who drive or operate heavy machinery, including: If you are a graduate, current student, or staff member at Colonia High School and have developed a glioblastoma or other brain tumor, contact MLG immediately to become part of the investigation. St. Judes Center for Neuro-Oncology is guided by our commitment to finding new and better answers for our patients with brain cancer. 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. In an update on his Facebook page, Lupiano said the radiological team hired by the township to look for both radiation and radon has concluded. 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 . Lupiano started researching. If you were affected or have a tumor or rare cancer, I need your assistance," his Facebook post read. 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. Glioblastoma can cause numerous symptoms that can affect and impair daily life. 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. 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. 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. If you are an alumni or staff member of Colonia High School and have developed a brain tumor, contact MLG today! "We appreciate the NJDOH, NJDEP, ATSDR, and CDC assistance to the Woodbridge Townships environmental investigation that is currently ongoing, but strongly believe that this is not enough," the petition says in seeking the involvement of more state and federal agencies. Mayor McCormac says the Environmental Protection Agency is now involved. Our nationally respected neurological rehabilitation programs include inpatientand outpatientsettings. Obviously, everyone's praying and hoping for the best," said Colonia High School junior Julia Pagnozzi. It is a completely safe procedure. He emphasized that there's no need for residents in the community to go get emergency cancer imaging scans immediately. The MRI process does not expose anyone to radiation. "We and our children deserve more! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Theres some statistical analysis that has to get done, Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, told TODAY. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Learn more about our pain treatment services. Gov. 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. Chantee Lans has more. 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. 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. His sister Angela Decillis. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the time Genoni spoke to News 4 last month. 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. Football Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM That is, clusters of cancer can arise by chance," according to NCI. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. "It's alarming because there are just so many people with a tumor - malignant or benign, and it's serious. 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain Tumors, What Is Aphasia? His wife Michele, a 1991 Colonia High School graduate, had a large acoustic neuroma on her left side, which is life-threatening if left untreated. 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. Along with MLGs PHDs in Public Health, Ms. Vercoski will be investigating this case out of the firms Newark office. 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. Ms. Vercoski graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Nursing. Her sister, Cheryl Black also died from brain cancer in 2015. He made a public plea on Facebook to anyone from the school who was diagnosed with primary brain tumors. We have to really take a look at it," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. The Brea Olinda Unified School District operates six elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school, and one alternative high school. BTF has been conducting early detection screenings since 2008. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. Colonia High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on the school's baseball field. Jason Wisinksi lost his wife Janice 10 years ago to an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. Early detection is the best hope for slowing the course of the disease, and hopefully reaching tumor remission. Kamal added that there needs to be a full investigation to understand if these cancers are linked, and if there's a specific cause. Ms. Vercoski can be reached directly at mmv@mccunewright.com. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The township announced results of an investigation. All three were diagnosed with a brain tumor. Higher Education 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. She had an inoperable high grade tumor called anaplastic astrocytoma.". Those wishing to make an appointment should call 844-283-7226 (844-BTF-SCAN) or visit www.btfscanwoodbridge.com. Its just like both of you being struck by lightning, Al Lupiano recalled. 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. McCormac said the radon testing is done and has been sent to the lab. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. A total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors responded to a Facebook post. Colonia High School . Other than that, we dont have any experience to link us together.. 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. The St. Jude Neurosciences Institute is a nationally recognized leader in successfully treating a wide range of neurological conditions. Mayor McCormac says the Environmental Protection Agency is now involved. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (714-256-1311) has a campus located at 251 South Randolph Street in Brea. My wife, sister and myself grew up in the same township. "The federal and the state governments all know what the facts are to date and have not expressed any immediate concern. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. He had confirmed 15 . Thanks to social media, Lupiano found a total of 104 former students and faculty with brain tumors - about half are cancerous. 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. A scan revealed that she had a tumor on the left side of the brain that was 30 millimeters. 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. 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. 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. I needed to ask for help, he said. Eyewitness News has reached out to them, and are waiting to hear back. Ms.Vercoskispassion is helping underserved groups receive fair and just compensation for harm they have experienced. 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. Doctors thought it was benign at first, but the pathology results indicated otherwise, Al Lupiano recalled. "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. But, according to the Change.org petition launched Tuesday, complete results aren't even anticipated to be received until the end of May. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All the affected attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back decades. NHS Weekly Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 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. I called him and asked him how we could be of help, McCormac told TODAY. A cluster of over 100 rare brain tumors in the past 30 years sparks a health inspection at Colonia High School in New Jersey. Senior Financial Aid, 1:04 PM - 1:34 PM "If we can help people find evidence of early-stage tumors, they can avail themselves of better, more varied treatment options. As tens of thousands of students and hundreds of staff have attended and worked at Colonia High School, and 1,300 students currently attend school there, it is urgent to understand the cause of this elevated occurrence of brain tumors. 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