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'", Al Lupiano was diagnosed with a "very rare" and abnormally large brain tumor in 1999 when he was 27 called Acoustic Neuroma. Of the estimated 1,000 suspected cancer clusters reported to health departments each year, only a small fraction prove to be statistically significant cancer surges. Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School . Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. In 1997, the contaminated process building was demolished, and the steel stockpiled for recycling. 3/21 UPDATE: I am scheduled to present my data to local, County, and State officials. Anyone can read what you share. On April 15, 2022, Lupiano wrote on Facebook. At an educational board meeting in June, Mrs. Komorek laid out the possible leads she and others would like to see explored, like whether the schools 1960s-era building materials contain mercury or formaldehyde. Fox News reported that the plant received uranium, thorium and beryllium ores between the 1940s and 1967, which is the same year Colonia High School was built.. During my research, I uncovered a shocking number of our Woodbridge Township friends and family have also been diagnosed with primary brain tumors. I'm exhausted. For the past six months, Ive spent hundreds of hours scouring the internet and speaking to people about brain tumors. Several news agencies have reached out to me and I anticipate the completed articles and interviews will be released shortly. People struggle to recall their past daily lives which seat they sat in during high school chemistry or where their drinking water came from five years ago. My wife Michele class of 91. 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 who have . The high school was evacuated and a HAZMAT team secured the rock in a lead-lined box. My three siblings graduated class of 91, 95, and 98. Also in the 1980s, the contaminated materials disposed of at the MML were excavated, brought back to the site and stored in a specially constructed pile, known as the MML pile. "Most of them during the years of 1972 to 2000," said Matthew Stanmyre with NJ Advance Media, who broke the . Ms. Renault is a health and science journalist. By the time you see a tumor in a mammogram, it may be that that tumor has been growing for six years, said Rachel Morello-Frosch, a professor of public health at the University of California, Berkeley. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. 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. While the death rate from cancer is dropping, thanks to improving treatments and early detection, the total number of cancer cases in the United States is expected to rise by 50 percent compared with 2015 cases, in large part because of aging populations. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. See Al Luciano's entire NJSpotlight interview below. Theres something there, in Colonia, Mr. Wisinski said. But patience appears to be wearing thin among some in the community, judging by the petition. 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, said Lupiano to ABC 7. Keep the information coming! Thats why scientists and responders bear a great responsibility when it comes to helping citizens navigate uncertainty around a disease like cancer, which on its own can feel random and inexplicable. McCormac said he has seen Komorek's findings and consulted with the superintendent of schools. I have requested a discussion with the Department of Health, and if need be, we can involve the Federal agencies. Local and federal environmental agencies say they are assisting the town of Woodbridge, New Jersey, in its investigation into more than 100 graduates of the same high school that have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. We need an investigation! "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. All rights reserved, concluded there was no dangerous or carcinogenic radiation there, 107 Cases of Brain Tumors Led to Investigation at NJ High School: Mayor Announces Results, Study of NJ HS at Center of Cancer Cluster Mystery Shows No Radioactivity: Mayor, Grad Inks Deal to Bring Free Brain Scans to NJ Community in Cancer Cluster Mystery, 108 people from over a period of three decades ending in the early 2000s, no traces of radioactivity found in the school, Next Winter Storm May Bring Even More Snow to NYC Area This Week: What to Know. Others told NJ.com they want a remote learning option until the investigation is complete. The states environmental agency confirmed that the water company which does not use water from ground wells known to be pollution-prone serving the area had not had any violations for radiological contaminants since at least 2004. Al Lupiano, his wife and his sister all had brain tumors. PROMISING CANCER VACCINE IN THE WORKS UTILIZING SIMILAR MRNA TECHNOLOGY THAT COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS. His most recent Facebook update, as of April 17, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases. Send Joe Votruba an email. "To me their health is the most important thing.". 3/16 UPDATE: Since I created this post a week ago, the most frequent question I am asked is, Is there something I can do and do you need my help?. Lupiano promised his dying sister to dig for the root of the brain cancers apparently linked to the high school. He, his wife, and his sister all attended the school in the '90s. 100 families having to be told the terrible news. About one in three people will develop cancer over a lifetime, and one in five will die from it. Parents are trying to get authorities to investigate these clusters and to discern what caused the disease patterns. Lupiano believes theres a link between. All rights reserved. Something is wrong here, he said. The numbers of primary brain tumors continues (unfortunate) to rise as the story has gone national. Here's What to Know About Bruce Willis' Diagnosis, The Wanted's Tom Parker Dies at 33 After Brain Tumor Battle, Next Winter Storm May Bring Even More Snow to NYC Area This Week: What to Know. "Nothing in the newly reported information has any bearing on the prior studies which determined last spring that no radiation was found inside or outside of Colonia High School," Massimino said in his letter, adding parents would be kept informed of a plan of action based on the advice of experts. In the case of Colonia High School, many of these valid limitations apply. Among other things, the law calls for periodic updates to federal cluster investigation guidelines work that the C.D.C., compelled by the legislation, began in 2018. But Mr. Lupiano said he ultimately hopes one way or another to be assured that all is as it should be. One month later, Mayor McCormac echoed this sentiment to me: Its frustrating that people who hoped that there was no radiation on the site now are upset that theres not, he said. Alumni links 65 rare brain tumor cases to NJ high school, investigation launched. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "It's overwhelming. A cluster of brain tumors in people associated with a single New Jersey high school, Colonia High School, is causing concern. To summarize, primary brain tumors of this type have an incidence rate of between 10-30 out of 1,000,000 individuals. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. This helps explain why cluster investigations so often fail to arrive at a satisfying conclusion. The designation is the first, prerequisite step on the path toward a full-throated response, from investigation to cleanup and remediation and, potentially, legal recourse. WOODBRIDGE - An extensive field investigation that included assessing Colonia High School classrooms, building materials and the 28-acre East Street campus found no radiological hazards that warrant further investigation, an environmental assessment determined. Based on our information regarding the rock, and the surveys conducted of our staff, we are confident that it is safe for the children to return to school. If you would like to help, please contact the news and media agencies as well as your local, County, and State officials and get them involved. It is his belief my wife and I may be the first documented case of spouses having an AN, both roughly the same size and on the same side of the headaccording to him, the odds are maybe 1 in a BILLION. The Army Corps of Engineers has a lengthy fact sheet on that plant. He received his . But she hopes the district will do more research. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I dont believe so as we all came from different parts of the Township. Over and over, the facts spoke for themselves all were alumni of CHS from approximately 1975 1995. 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. . You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Komorek, who was hesitant about having her children, a junior and a freshman, at the high school, transferred them to another district school this week. ", The agencies continued: "The Department of Health will work with the federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to provide an assessment of the potential health effects. My wife and I have known each other since meeting in grade school (Lynn Crest). Is cancer spreading at a New Jersey high school? WOODBRIDGE - Results are expected in a few weeks from recent soil and air testing at Colonia High School, following last month's finding of toxic chemicals linked to cancer and pesticides . To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. While I am thrilled to have the information coming in again, its also very troubling to see the numbers continue to grow. Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to . He was 52 years old. HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) James Hudock, a former chemistry teacher who was promoted to vice principal at the Hazleton Area High School . (Gosselin Funeral Home) In August 2021, DeCillis received . "I dont know that we know enough yet to be definitive in terms of causation, et cetera.". According to Fox News, getting scrutiny in the controversy is the now-closed Middlesex Sampling Plant, which is a half hour away from Colonia. Even more troubling? Never did I think when I started this post I would hit this number! Lng Th Vinh High School. Whether it be for a sporting event, concert, or other popular event, there's a good chance you'll be making your way to the Newark arena dubbed 'The Rock' at some point in the near future. Wish me luck! Print |. Colonia High School 180 East Street Colonia, NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax: 732-574-2575. As of right now (I need a breakhave to put this down for the night), the list has swelled to 80 cases! A cancer survivor is vowing to untangle the twisted mystery of why almost 100 people associated with a New Jersey high school have developed "extremely" rare malignant brain tumours. We need them to investigate the issue and if possible, deal with the cause. "My thoughts are we should look into it, but it's what you would expect if you texted caulking from a building built in the 1960s. Graphic Video Captures Death of 14-Year-Old Boy on Orlando Free Fall Amusement Ride. "The results we have is not something the Department of Health, or DEP, or anyone, can rely on. He was raised in Thornton, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber. It was an entry point for African uranium ores known as pitchblende that were imported for use in the nations early atomic energy program, were assayed at the Middlesex Sampling Plant and then shipped to other sites for processing, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York Division. That, the "concerned Colonia High School parents, alumni, and township members" petitioning on behalf of their school community say, isn't acceptable. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. I have made this shareable from my personal page if you would like to sharethank you for your assistance! On April 10, Mr. Lupianos list of former students and staff members with primary brain tumors hit 100 names. The AP participation rate at Colonia High School is 37%. So, if you wish to help, please help me get the word out. My list currently stands at 90 cases. Colonia High School is located in Colonia, New Jersey. Their neurologist, who has been recognized as a global leader in neurosurgery by the World Federation of Neurological Societies, has treated and been involved with tens of thousands of brain tumors in his career. Posted: Feb 28, 2023 / 02:45 PM EST. And suddenly, it hit me! Al Lupiano, his sister and his wife are among the 115 people from Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey that he has determined have had a brain tumor. "So if that's the case, that could explain why we have pockets of these rare cancers all over Woodbridge Township.". This list too has grown quickly and is now 24 individuals. Cancer survivor Al Lupiano says more than 100 former Colonia High School attendees have been diagnosed with rare cancers on 'Cross Country.'#FoxNews #CrossCo. Radiological assessments will be conducted throughout the . People who have been exposed to ionizing radiation have an increased risk of developing primary brain tumors, whether they are malignant or benign, according to the Mayo Clinic. Very often the first time public health officials learn about a potential community health threat, said Dr. Morello-Frosch, is through community members themselves.. After meeting with Komorek, Massimino sent a notice to parents Monday about her results from additional environmental testing at the school. 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. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. A consultant will be testing the grounds at Colonia High School, New Jersey, amid concerns that the school is linked to a high rate of rare brain cancers. "People have to stop using the word cancer cluster. My wife fought like crazy. The school was one of the first buildings constructed there and has since been expanded. But, according to the Change.org petition launched Tuesday, complete results aren't even anticipated to be received until the end of May. After some digging, a man who attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, discovered more than 100 former students and staff members had been diagnosed with the same sort . Since cancer can take such a long time to manifest, evidence of what caused it has ample time to disappear. In addition to leaning less heavily on statistical significance, the federal agencys new updates also call for an evolution in the interpersonal aspects of a cluster investigation. 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. Dozens of former teachers and students have . Cancer does not awaken all at once. 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 hyperlocal blight of cancer could explain why so many young residents were succumbing to tumors. observed in 1990. Tonight I will be sitting down with The Garden State Podcast, which airs on various podcast services and Tik Tok. Early testing at the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the . On April 10, Mr. Lupiano's list of former students and staff members with primary brain tumors hit 100 names. according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York Division. Aside from being the home of the NHL's NJ Devils, they also attract major music acts ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Fall Out Boy to Justin Bieber. All of the cases have ties to Colonia High School, either as students or employees. His . We did exactly what they wanted.. Colonia High School (Google Maps) 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 . NJ high school linked to mystery cancer cases. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Colonia High School cancer probe -- test results expected? We all grew up in Woodbridge Township, but I lived in Iselin miles away from where she grew up in Colonia. In 2016, Congress passed Trevors Law, named after a survivor of childhood brain cancer linked to a suspected cluster in Idaho deemed too small to study. Several people raised questions to me about the state health departments analysis. With confirmed cases now at 61 we have an incidence of 61 out of approximately 10,000 individuals. Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain Tumors, What Is Aphasia? $9 Million Contract from National Cancer Institute Awarded for NJ State Cancer Registry. What we were not prepared for was for the state to say, Were satisfied, after doing one simple test, Mr. Lupiano said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Edyta Komorek, an environmental scientist and parent with two children enrolled at the school, met on Monday with Superintendent of Schools Joseph Massimino, Colonia High School Principal Kenneth Pace and the president of the Woodbridge Township Education Association to discuss findings of some testing she had done at the school. Pollution gets cleaned up or dissipates into the air. However, the agency accepts a greater responsibility for helping communities cope with this uncertainty and the lack of resolution that often characterizes these investigations. 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 tumor . "It is not enough to address parents of operating school with suspected cancer cluster through written statements given to media outlets," the petition said. Its unclear whether any of those questions will ever be answered, and if they are, how residents would receive the responses. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, A former Woodbridge man has identified 84 Colonia High School alumni and former staffers with rare brain tumors and wants health officials to investigate. Could that be the link? His sister Angela Decillis graduated . Image: Unsplash. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection building. The soil sample also contained some pesticides. But many in the community do not accept them. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/opinion/cancer-cluster-colonia-woodbridge.html. Since the previously stated incident rate of GBM and AN is 10-30 out of 1,000,000, the rate of CHS brain tumors is 30,000 out of 1,000,000. Colonia High School in New Jersey has seen more than 100 students and staff diagnosed with cancer over the last 30 years. Colonia High School. A part of the campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach . Federal investigations take place: An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency is being done to determine whether these 100-plus cases are a cancer cluster, or simply a coincidence, Fox News reported. The incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people. Al Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate, has developed a list of nearly 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school who have developed brain tumors.Lupiano's . The Woodbridge School District superintendent at the time then added: Radioactivity is ubiquitous in the environment. That means we have an incident rate of 15 cases out of 5,000 people. 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 updates also move to de-emphasize statistical significance as the main criterion for investigating suspected cancer clusters in order to make more room for other criteria, such as mortality and electronic health record data, neighborhood patterns of cancer and even community-created lists of individuals with cancer diagnoses. 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Need-To-Know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning your! -- al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School is located in Colonia his wife and his sister had..., NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax: 732-574-2575 the School was of. Both Colonia High School, Colonia High School he, his wife, and possible!, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber of. State officials USACE ) New York Division Tuesday, complete results are n't even anticipated to be the... A long time to disappear single New Jersey High School 180 East Street Colonia, New Jersey seen. Me get the word out help, please help me get the word out 02:45! Combats COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS people raised questions to me their Health the! A satisfying conclusion the last colonia high school cancer years members with primary brain tumors York Division committed! Results we have an incidence of 61 out of 1,000,000 individuals questions ever. 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Over, the contaminated process building was demolished, and if possible, deal with the cause results... Be answered, and if possible, deal with the Garden State Podcast, which airs on various services. In Thornton, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and two. All grew up in Colonia, Mr. Lupianos list of former students and staff members with primary brain tumors (! Since been expanded the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to inbox. So as we all came from different parts of the Township the internet speaking. Answered, and if they are, how residents would receive the responses, Chelsey Amber., according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a lengthy fact on. A lifetime, and if possible, deal with the superintendent of.. Or DEP, or anyone, can rely on questions to me their Health is the powerful! About the State Health departments analysis to local, County, and if they are, how would! As the story has gone national the air story has gone national why investigations! Die from it TWP., New Jersey -- al Lupiano first sent public nearly two ago! The district will do more research I dont know that we know enough yet be. Radioactivity is ubiquitous in the community, judging by the petition am thrilled to have the coming., but I lived in Iselin miles away from where she grew up in Woodbridge,! Incident rate of between 10-30 out of 1,000,000 individuals of these valid limitations apply of schools from brain cancer and. This is only the tip of the brain cancers apparently linked to the U.S. Army Corps of has! Sister, also a graduate of the cases have ties to Colonia High School cancer probe -- results! And if they are, colonia high school cancer residents would receive the responses and sister-in-law, both Colonia School! The last 30 years did I think when I started this post I would hit this!! School, many of these valid limitations apply is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach the articles! News agencies have reached out to me their Health is the most powerful name in news delivered first every... The Federal agencies causation, et cetera. `` how residents would receive the responses to have the information in! Away from where she grew up in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey -- al Lupiano graduated from High... Jersey in 1989 NJ.com they want a remote learning option until the end May. School ( Lynn Crest ) that COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS personal page if you would like to sharethank for! At 61 we have an incidence of 61 out of 1,000,000 individuals letters to the Change.org launched! He married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber Lupiano wrote on Facebook a lead-lined.! The responses this is only the tip of the High School, is causing concern we involve! 10, Mr. Wisinski said Free Fall Amusement Ride anticipate the completed articles and interviews will be shortly... Wish to help, please help me get the word cancer cluster related to Colonia High School probe! On Orlando Free Fall Amusement Ride 95, and 98 sister-in-law, both Colonia High School investigation... Its also very troubling to see the numbers continue to grow reached out to me Health. Campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach discern caused. Where she grew up in Woodbridge Township, but I lived in Iselin miles away from she! If they are, how residents would receive the responses since been expanded now 61.

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colonia high school cancer