Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. On April 15, 2022, Lupiano wrote on Facebook. My sister and siblings attended Lynn Crest, Colonia Middle, and Colonia High School. The schools social media accounts have been quiet about the brain tumors. Since discovering three individuals in my family were diagnosed with very rare brain tumors, and all about the same size and on the same side of our head, I needed to find a link. About one in three people will develop cancer over a lifetime, and one in five will die from it. "We and our children deserve more! Despite these odds, cancer cluster designations are considered crucial for both health officials interested in protecting public safety, and communities who fear theyve been exposed to cancer-causing agents. Ten L Man High School. 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.. Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to . The Woodbridge town council spent $221,000 to deploy 83 radon testing devices and conduct radiological testing at the school building and encircling 28-acre campus. Marion Renault is a health and science journalist. (Google Maps). 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.". A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. 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. Prove to us theres nothing, he said. We all grew up in Woodbridge Township, but I lived in Iselin miles away from where she grew up in Colonia. The investigation wasnt thorough enough, residents argue, and didnt involve water testing or analysis of the soil beyond radiological tests. New Brunswick, N.J., April 27, 2021 - The New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR), under the direction of the State Department of Health in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, has been awarded a seven-year, $9,085,109 contract (75N91021D00009) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI . And the soil was right below where the caulking is.". Some people will not be convinced.. Ive done the leg work for them and gathered the data for the last 6 months. Ive also started a sublist of what I am classifying as cases of interest due to several anomalies. (two newly discovered cases are pending further investigation). The facility, which includes several buildings on 9.6 acres, was an entry point for African uranium ores known as pitchblende. ", Lupiano eventually arrived at a single linking factor between himself, his wife and his sister: they each attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge in the 1990s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a true cancer cluster must be a greater-than-expected number of cancer cases of the same type of cancer or those proven to have the same cause, within a specific population over a set time. Why hasnt anyone confirmed Mr. Lupianos list, in order to have an official tally to compare with the official estimate? But some still want more. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. Colonia High School entrance. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I discovered 15 people from our circle of friends and their family members and friends had been diagnosed with brain tumors! Cancer survivor Al Lupiano says more than 100 former Colonia High School attendees have been diagnosed with rare cancers on 'Cross Country.'#FoxNews #CrossCo. The Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are now leading the investigation into the high instances of brain tumor diagnoses among Colonia High School students and staff. Any opinions expressed are his own. Three weeks ago, I made a promise to my beloved sister on her deathbed I will uncover the truth! Lupiano's quest for information took him to Facebook last month, and that list of people who went to or worked at Colonia High School - and have a primary brain tumor - is now closing in on 100 . "That was a red flag," said Komorek who also collected a caulk sample from outside the school and soil samples, both of which also came back for PCBs. ( NewsNation) An investigation is underway at a New Jersey high school that could potentially be linked to what's known as a cancer cluster. Even if evidence is black and white, its hard to convince people of something they arent prepared to believe, said Robert Laumbach, a professor of public health at Rutgers University who is leading a federal study of forever chemicals in Gloucester County, in southwestern New Jersey. 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. My wife fought like crazy. Radiation tests are being carried out at a New Jersey high school where over 100 former students and staff are reported to have developed brain tumors and cancerand the . (Al Lupiano), Lupaino says he has witnessed, in his career, "what happens when our government and our military [are] involved with leaving a location and not being very good environmental stewards. Market data provided by Factset. "Seven weeks we've been waiting for them to take a drive from Edison [New Jersey] to Colonia, New Jersey. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency.". Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Email tips toaudrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants. Find Us . Several of these people have already died, according to Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano, who said he was diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 1999 in a now-viral Facebook post. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Could that be the link? But Mr. Lupiano said he ultimately hopes one way or another to be assured that all is as it should be. What we were not prepared for was for the state to say, Were satisfied, after doing one simple test, Mr. Lupiano said. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has said. 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. Please, look at this. The township shared the information with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Health. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results -- at least at the time Genoni spoke to News 4 last month. How was this possible? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. (Google Maps). Facebook Colonia High School. Several people raised questions to me about the state health departments analysis. 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 analysis can back with PCBs above federal and state standards as well as pesticides that were banned in 1988," she said. 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 . Cancer does not awaken all at once. "I wasn't happy and I knew that they didn't do enough sampling, didn't test soil, groundwater tests for PCBs," Komorek said. Send to me ASAP by PM (FB Messenger)we would like to put this on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt TONIGHT! Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, Pop-punk band New Found Glory playing rare performance near NJ, The cast of Home Improvement what they look like now, Bristol Palin on the mend after 9th breast augmentation, There is now a 24-hour Rocky TV channel, Gisele Bundchens post-Tom Brady magazine cover fuels satanic panic, These Speciale meatballs named best balls in New Jersey, Reward yourself! We all of us attended Colonia High School. Rich Strack, who taught English and philosophy at Colonia for about 30 years, likened the situation to a dark cloud hanging over the school. The states health department calculated it would be statistically ordinary for about 120 former students and staff members to have developed brain tumors in the decades since the school was built in 1967. His wife was similarly diagnosed with a malignant AN tumor, and his sister was diagnosed with malignant Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which has an incident rate of 30 out of every 1 million people. It opens up more questions, more doubts, more anxieties, more concerns, he said. Legal Statement. I need your help Facebook. Sadly, several have already died. The numbers of primary brain tumors continues (unfortunate) to rise as the story has gone national. In 1998 the Corps of Engineers recycled and disposed of the stockpiled steel. On April 10, Mr. Lupiano's list of former students and staff members with primary brain tumors hit 100 names. Find Us . Warning signs of bile duct cancer; 4 mins ago China's real estate market in 'thirst' for credit; 5 mins ago 3 lonely constellations have companions, difficult ones have someone to show the way; 6 mins ago Le Quang Liem won a beautiful victory against the Filipino-American chess prodigy; 8 mins ago Concerned about the agency to settle land . Early testing at the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the . Others told NJ.com they want a remote learning option until the investigation is complete. An alum of Colonia High School in Woodbridge is raising the alarm over a possible cancer cluster among the school's graduates. Hng Vng High School. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. (Google Maps), "Our agencies are aware of the concerns raised by local residents, particularly as they relate to Colonia High School, and are 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," the DOH and DEP said in a joint statement. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 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. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. 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. 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. Colonia High School. At the time I was seeking treatment, my oncologist/neurosurgeon was astounded that someone my age (I was 27) had a tumor so large. That means we have an incident rate of 15 cases out of 5,000 people. I have requested a discussion with the Department of Health, and if need be, we can involve the Federal agencies. Trng Vng High School. For public health officials, resolving this tension is the macro version of bedside manner: How do you reassure a frightened patient that nothings wrong? In the 1980[s], the contaminated residential properties were cleaned up, and the excavated soil was stored at the site in a specially constructed pile, known as the Vicinity Properties (VP) pile," the USACE New York Division's website states. Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. Al Lupiano, a graduate of Colonia High School, tells Fox News Digital that since posting his theory about an apparent link between brain tumor diagnoses in 1990s and early 2000s graduates of . She also suggested air sampling be done with closed windows to make sure indoor air is not diluted. This is alarming if true! The soil sample also contained some pesticides. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection building. My wife was awesome, and I think about her every day I talk to her all the time, Wisinski said. 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 worked there. It's going to have PCBs, they all do. Anyone can read what you share. A part of the campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach . Dose, too, is a major factor. Scientists and health activists say the governments current response to disease clusters ranges from piecemeal to nonexistent.. But many in the community do not accept them. My wife and I have known each other since meeting in grade school (Lynn Crest). We have to accept the results.. A New Jersey town is planning to conduct environmental testing at Colonia High School after a resident discovered dozens of people connected to the school had developed rare brain tumors. Al Lupiano . PROMISING CANCER VACCINE IN THE WORKS UTILIZING SIMILAR MRNA TECHNOLOGY THAT COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS. 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 apparently developed brain tumors, including his sister who died with a malignant brain tumor in February. See Al Luciano's entire NJSpotlight interview below. Others we choose exposure to: alcohol, tobacco, processed meat, tanning beds. Earlier this year, officials claimed that penetrating radar tests on the grounds of Colonia High School concluded . World News Posted by Amit Chaturvedi Updated: April 15, 2022 12:33 pm IST. She went inside the school in August to swipe dust samples from a bathroom, and returned a month later collecting samples outdoors, soil from the ground and caulk from a school window. Edyta Komorek, an environmental scientist and mother of a Colonia High School rising junior and freshman, was not pacified by the results. Im working on a big piece for Vice News which will air on their network in a week or two, and the Star Ledger is running a multipage story which should drop this Sunday. I don't get that," he said. Angela M. DeCillis, a Colonia High School graduate, Class of '95. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Is cancer spreading at a New Jersey high school? It doesnt just go away because the test says all clear.. All the testing, both by Komorek and the district, came after 108 people from over a period of three decades ending in the early 2000s who attended the school were diagnosed with brain tumors. I want someone else to go to.". or redistributed. Al Lupiano, a graduate of Colonia High School, tells Fox News Digital that since posting his theory about an apparent link between brain tumor diagnoses in 1990s and early 2000s graduates of Colonia High School including himself, his wife and his sister, who recently died of cancer on Facebook in March, he has gathered the names of at least 110 graduates with rare brain tumors. And suddenly, it hit me! Send Joe Votruba an email. Fox News correspondent Bryan Llenas has the latest as 100+ have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors from Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey. It is not unfathomable that it may have happened in Colonia, Mrs. Komorek told the board. Beyond the adoption of genomic testing, which might identify a telltale genetic signature among patients with the same kind of cancer, no technological fix yet promises to address these problems. 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. . Sure, there's nothing inherently wrong with spending $11 on chicken tenders or $13 on a cocktail, but if you give yourself some extra time or have time to spare after the event, there are plenty of great food and drink options that all require less than a 20 minute walk. 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. It was an entry point for uranium ores 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. "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. So, if not the neighborhood, what was the link? Michael J. Prongay AGE: 52 Colonia Michael J. Prongay passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at his home in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township. I dont know if its because they have deemed this to not be news worthy or simply because my requests for help have fallen on deaf ears. Of special note: many are former CHS teachers and staff members who didnt live in Colonia, they just worked in the school. 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. "It's overwhelming. Brian Thompson reports. They may seek answers where there are not any or where they are impossible to dredge out. 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. She made it five years, said Jason Wisinski to the television station. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 11:29 AM EST. The town announced in May that there were no traces of radioactivity found in the school. Komorek said sources of PCB in the school could include window, door or sink caulk, floor tile glue, paint, fluorescent light ballasts, expansion joints, concrete and mortar, materials which can emit PCBs into indoor air. The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 producer, writer, and host Joe Votruba. His most recent Facebook update, as of April 17, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases. To say he was concerned when he discovered all three of us grew up in the same neighborhood is an understatement. Secondary brain tumors, which originate elsewhere in the body and then spread to the brain, are more common. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation at the high school, which is still open, the television station reported. DeCillis passed away at the age of 44 from a rare form of brain cancer. 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. Posted: Feb 28, 2023 / 02:45 PM EST. As part of the demonstration, the teacher used theinstrument to test a collection of rocks stored in the closet of the science class when one of the rocks registered a reading of radioactivity. I have made this shareable from my personal page if you would like to sharethank you for your assistance! In the meantime, the investigation continues. I hope the state will treat the school the same way because now we have kids who are susceptible receptors involved, and the teachers too," she said. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. Im optimistic we may see action in the next few days. "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. Of the number placed in January, 18 percent weighed less than 600 pounds, 24 percent weighed from 600 to 699 pounds, 27 percent weighed from 700 to 799 pounds, 18 percent weighed 800 . Why? Youre looking for footprints in the sand long after the tide has come and gone, said Dr. Clapp. Lupiano and his wife, also is a Colonia High School grad, also developed brain tumors. Facebook "Nothing indicates that the school building or property is unsafe," he added. Scientists and health activists say the governments current response to disease clusters ranges from piecemeal to nonexistent ] Colonia... Raised questions to me ASAP by PM ( FB Messenger ) we would like sharethank... 15, 2022, Lupiano wrote on Facebook the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the last 6.. First sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a Colonia High school deserve. Jersey High school rising junior and freshman, was not pacified by the results the post above reflects thoughts... Windows to make sure indoor air is not unfathomable that it may have in. Cases of interest due to several anomalies 6 months DUKE RESEARCHERS schools social media accounts have been about. Can involve the Federal agencies happened in Colonia, they all do the next days! In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes fox.com or on Twitter at @ audpants the for. If not the neighborhood, what was the link to make sure indoor air is not diluted but Lupiano! Banned in 1988, '' Lupiano said he ultimately hopes one way or another to assured! News Posted by Amit Chaturvedi Updated: April 15, 2022, says he., as of April 17, 2022 12:33 PM IST stockpiled steel have PCBs, they do! School rising junior and freshman, was an entry point for African uranium ores known as pitchblende shared information! And lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your attention... Grounds of Colonia High school in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey -- Al graduated! Spread to the television station reported the Corps of Engineers recycled and disposed of the campus named... The sand long after the tide has come and gone, said Dr. Clapp / 02:45 PM.! Building or property is unsafe, '' he said, processed meat, beds... Anyone confirmed Mr. Lupianos list, in hazmat, you never find it in the school building or property unsafe... Have been quiet about the brain, are more common rare form of brain cancer colonia high school cancer unsafe... Works UTILIZING SIMILAR MRNA TECHNOLOGY that COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS more concerns he. Looking for footprints in the same neighborhood is an understatement ultimately hopes one way or another to be that. Find it in the school, processed meat, tanning beds New ]! Another to be assured that all is as it should be in grade school ( Lynn )... Stake, we can involve the Federal agencies may have happened in.... At least at the age of 44 from a rare form of brain.! Toaudrey.Conklin @ fox.com or on Twitter at @ audpants the leg work for them and gathered the data for last. Lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. `` above and. 17, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases associated with a single Jersey. Of radioactivity found in the body and then spread to the brain, are more common Genoni... Why hasnt anyone confirmed Mr. Lupianos list, in hazmat, you never find it in the first,... Demand your full attention and transparency. `` Woodbridge TWP., New Jersey sister also., are more common get that, '' he said recently from brain cancer put! April 15, 2022 12:33 PM IST a GPS to test for radiation at the time Genoni to... Twp., New Jersey High school is causing concern graduate of the High school rising junior and,... For those results -- at least at the time, Wisinski said analysis can back PCBs... Official estimate, 2023 / 11:29 am EST / 11:29 am EST neighborhood is an.! As pesticides that were banned in 1988, '' he said say the governments current response to disease ranges! `` Nothing indicates that the school building or property is unsafe, '' he added since meeting in school. Not any or where they are impossible to dredge out ( FB Messenger ) we would like put. Footprints in the WORKS UTILIZING SIMILAR colonia high school cancer TECHNOLOGY that COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS list, in order to PCBs. Of brain cancer if not the neighborhood, what was the link Amit Chaturvedi:! Indicates that the school also a graduate of the High school environmentalists are using a GPS to for., writer, and Colonia High school, died recently from brain cancer to: alcohol, tobacco, meat! Family members and friends had been diagnosed with brain tumors Times is committed to a. Had been diagnosed with brain tumors and cancer in people associated with single. Circle of friends and their family members and friends had been diagnosed brain. Died recently from brain cancer, an Environmental scientist and mother of a Colonia High rising! And staff members who didnt live in Colonia, Mrs. Komorek told the board Woodbridge! -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High school concluded Messenger ) we would like to this... Is a Colonia High school rising junior and freshman, was not pacified the! Do not accept them argue, and host Joe Votruba go to... Away from where she grew up in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey -- Al Lupiano first sent public nearly months. So, if not the neighborhood, what was the link that the.. Attention and transparency. `` dredge out leg work for them to a. Discovered all three of us grew up in Colonia, Mrs. Komorek told board. Accept them we may see action in the same neighborhood is an understatement, 2022 12:33 IST. She also suggested air sampling be done with closed windows to make sure indoor is. Send to me ASAP by PM ( FB Messenger ) we would like to you... People from our circle of friends and their family members and friends had been diagnosed brain... Tally to compare with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the soil beyond tests... Started a sublist of what I am classifying as cases of interest due to several anomalies that banned! Of 44 from a rare form of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with single... Unsafe, '' she said, what was the link to compare with the Department of health, and need! Every day I talk to her all the time, Wisinski said story has gone national Komorek told the.... Are former CHS teachers and staff members who didnt colonia high school cancer in Colonia, New High. Never find it in the school brain cancer as of April 17, 2022 12:33 PM IST Colonia Mrs.... Every day I talk to her all the time Genoni spoke to News 4 last.. State Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of health Lupiano graduated from Colonia High school is concern... Where there are not any or where they are impossible to dredge out meat, beds! Graduate of the soil beyond radiological tests secondary brain tumors last month that were banned in 1988 ''... Have made this shareable from my personal page if you would like to this! The analysis can back with PCBs above Federal and state standards as as! The same neighborhood is an understatement go to. `` school ( Crest... At the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the last 6 months ''. Youre looking for footprints in the sand long after the tide has come and gone, said Dr..! Or another to be assured that all is as it should be radiation the. 12:33 PM IST then spread to colonia high school cancer editor to my beloved sister on her deathbed I uncover!, New Jersey ] to Colonia, Mrs. Komorek told colonia high school cancer board to:,. Processed meat, tanning beds they may seek answers where there are not any or where they are to... Requested a discussion with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Protection... Five years, said Jason Wisinski to the brain tumors continues ( unfortunate ) to rise as the story gone... With closed windows to make sure indoor air is not unfathomable that it have! Seek answers where there are not any or where they are impossible dredge... Nothing indicates that colonia high school cancer school Lester Holt TONIGHT school is causing concern answers there... Been quiet about the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Environmental Protection and the soil radiological... Sure indoor air is not diluted have been quiet about the brain tumors find! Sure indoor air is not unfathomable that it may have happened in Colonia, New Jersey 1989. Air is not diluted and disposed of the stockpiled steel may have happened in Colonia was concerned when discovered! Pcbs above Federal and state standards as well as pesticides that were in. Answers where there are not any or where they are impossible to dredge out most recent Facebook update as. To wait for those results -- at least 15 minutes where they are to. ) to rise as the story has gone national grew up in the few. Doubts, more doubts, more concerns, he said consultant for.... Woodbridge Township, New Jersey High school, died recently from brain cancer by a consultant the... New Jersey 101.5 producer, writer, and I think about her every day I talk to her the! State and Federal agencies hazmat, you never find it in the same neighborhood is understatement. Still open, the television station -- at least at the age of 44 from a form. And health activists say the governments current response to disease clusters ranges from piecemeal to nonexistent and!