All the affected attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, dating back decades WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New. 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. Im really starting to get frustrated, he says. T&M Associates of Middletown and its team of environmentalists are scheduled to begin collecting data at the high school this weekend by placing radon canisters throughout the building to collect air samples, according to township officials. The Departments stand ready to assist Woodbridge in reviewing any environmental data it collects to determine appropriate next steps. Community Emergency Response Team. and Church announces $1 million donation to American Red Cross for Maui, Former Congresswoman Mia Love shares cancer diagnosis and miracles of science and faith in speech to young Latter-day Saints, An inside look into the set of The Chosen, from the Bible verses on the wall to state-of-the-art soundstage, Zach Wilsons shake and bake run made highlight reels, but his growth is the real storyline, Mission trip Why BYU football wants to phase out the phrase. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J 6th District, who is known for his environmental advocacy, led the call. unless something is going on in that area that we don't know. For two weeks, both the air and soil at Colonia High School were tested for radiation, after a 1989 graduate Al Lupiano said he found 121 cases of brain cancer in Colonia grads, and theorized . Altogether, it will cost $221,350. However, the testing marks a major development for what was once a single man's mission to help his family and community. No abnormal readings were detected, but the classroom and a hallway were wiped down as a precaution. The trouble is the school is built on some woodland, it's surrounded by residential areas, and the mayor says that they really don't have records going back further than 55 years to see what the land was used for previously.'. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. In early March, Al Lupiano, 50, of Jamesburg, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate, posted on Facebook that his 44-year-old sister, Angela DeCillis, a 1995 Colonia High School graduate,died inFebruary from a rare,highly aggressive malignant glioma brain tumor on the left side of her brain, that had been diagnosed in August 2021. 'Two hours later, we received information that my wife also had a primary brain tumor.'. The National Foundation for Cancer Research which funds research into cancers says glioblastomas are the 'most lethal form of brain cancer'. Over time, he found 120 other people with connections to Colonia High School who have reported cases of tumors. As first reported on New Jersey 101.5, Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, was the one responsible for linking the people . Luke Andrews For Dailymail.Com McCormac said he was very concerned to learn of the possible link. Radiotherapy may also be offered to kill off the tumor. DeCillis passed away at the age of 44 from a rare form of brain cancer. 'Doctors said they had never seen my cancer before it was super rare, or only people that were exposed to nuclear radiation as a child living next to a nuclear power plant that was contaminating their water have this,' he told NJ Spotlight News. Posted in Toxic Tort. This cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men around 64 years old, although it can occur in people of all genders and age groups. "But I understand why anyone would be concerned. "EPA has received information about the community's concerns related to Colonia High School," Region 2 spokespersonElas Rodrguez said. It was also suggested the students' clothes be washed immediately and the bottoms of their shoes wiped clean. The township authorized the emergency contract of more than $200,000 in April to conduct the radiological assessment of the school and grounds after Al Lupiano, of Jamesburg, a 1989 Colonia High . Middlesex County's Colonia High School, located in Woodbridge, has made national headlines in recent weeks after over 100 former students and facultywere found to have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. On Friday, Woodbridge officials shared with NJ Spotlight News a document confirming that a radioactive rock was removed from a science classroom closet in 1997. But they also include noncancerous yet debilitating masses such as acoustic neuromas, haemangioblastomas and meningiomas. 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. Most people who are diagnosed with acoustic neuromas survive the condition. Lupiano claims some of the contaminated soil was removed from the site after it shut down in 1967 - the same year Colonia High School was built. But if this happens they will then be offered surgery to remove all or part of it. For the sake of our children, I pray that this is not the case.". Brain cancer is rare, being detected in about one in 15,000 Americans every year official figures show. It's not something in soil. The school is located about 11 miles from a former nuclear bomb development site, with fears mounting uranium from the ex-facility may have contaminated water or soil at the school. It's not something done to us due to bad habits.'. T&M Associates already started conducting historic site research to obtain records related to the school's construction in1967 to today. In a conversation with NJSpotlight, Al Lupiano said that asecret World War II lab in Middlesex Borough, called the Middlesex Sampling Plant, is said to have been used during the Manhattan Project,a research and development undertaking during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons. The Colonia High School Patriots[2] compete in the Greater Middlesex Conference, which is comprised of public and private high schools located in the greater Middlesex County area and operates under the supervision of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Questions, corrections, or comments? Here's the latest for Wednesday April 6th: More sanctions against Russia expected; Zelenskyy warns that Russian troops are regrouping; Second Sacramento suspect under arrest; Severe storms from Texas to South Carolina. These cases sparked national attention, and the question arose whether the school was linked to a potential cancer cluster. "It seems like in a little over a 20-year period to have 65 people on a list is somewhat alarming, it's quite alarming," said the mayor, who lives blocks away from Colonia High School, but added the link only appears to pertain to people who attended or worked at the high school. CHS Radioactive Rock - Information Reports - May 1997. Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey may be the common link between the unusual number of rare cancer cases. All three of them have since come down with rare brain disorders. "They will decide what they want to do. Together, Lupiano and McCormac have been in contact with numerous high-level agencies. He, his wife, and his sister all attended the school in the '90s. But he made a promise to his late sister that he would find out. The class watched on in awe as the slate-colored pebble lit up the monitor and baffled the tutor in the May 1997 class. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. [24] The team won the 2007 North II, Group III state sectional championship, edging Union Hill High School 8483 in the tournament final. All three of them have since come down with rare brain disorders. A 1985 Colonia High graduate who died. The Patriots finished the season 25-5 and their second sectional title since 2019 in their third straight appearance in the sectional championship. Colonia High School . Lupiano's questions have gained national coverage and some Woodbridge residents are worried. As first reported on New Jersey 101.5, Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, was the one responsiblefor linking the people together. Written by The Lyon Firm on April 18, 2022. Joseph Massimino Statement on Colonia High School Environmental Assessment. The number of possibly related tumors has now grown to more than 90 people, according to Lupiano. and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to evaluate radioactive material that was detected in the Colonia High School in May of 1997. We thank Mayor McCormac and the local residents for raising these concerns and we ask for patience as we pursue the science to try to identify answers.". "I hope the results come back with absolutely nothing," he said. GET KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS. She said: 'At the age of 41 I found out I had a very rare soft tissue malignant tumor SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA which engulfed my tear duct where they believe it began, orbit, sinus (I lost half of sinus canal) nasal cavity, and it began growing in or towards my ear canal/tubes, & was getting close to my brain. Last month, McCormac and Superintendent of Schools Joseph Massimino became aware of health-related concerns reported on social media about a potential connection between Colonia High School and graduates who developed brain tumors. Officials have declared there is 'no evidence' of harmful radiation levels at Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, from which more than 120 former pupils and staff have developed. Weeks of radiation and radon testing that Woodbridge officials initiated is now over. W OODBRIDGE, NJ (PIX11) - As the investigation into what some New Jersey residents believe is a cancer cluster linked to Colonia High School continues, PIX11 News is taking an in depth look at the . [23], The boys basketball team won the 1985 Central Jersey, Group III Sectional Championship beating Franklin High School 53-51 in the finals. 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. He says that more testing is needed, including air, soil and water samples. [17] The football team competes in Division 4 of the Big Central Football Conference, which includes 60 public and private high schools in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren counties, which are broken down into 10 divisions by size and location. His background in environmental work, including as an EPA emergency responder handling radioactive material, has given him greater insight into thesituation. The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 producer, writer, and host Joe Votruba. But ex-student Al Lupiano became suspicious after he, his wife and his sister who all went to the 1,000-strong school were diagnosed with these. Al Lupiano was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 1999. Rock Spring Park; Roland Park; Roselle Catholic HS; Rudyk Park; Russ Nagle Field; Sabatino Field; Samuel Nelkin Field; Scotch Plains-Fanwood; Shane Walsh Field; Simchock Park; . A spokesperson directed News 12 to the state Department of Health. Survivor claims illnesses may be caused by a uranium plant which was part of the. The township has filed an Open Public Records Act request with the state Department of Education to get files from 55 years ago when the school was built, the mayor said. . He toldNJ Spotlight Newsthe school was 12 miles from Middlesex Sampling Plant, which was used to crush, dry and store uranium ore for atomic bombs. He initially found 15 people, allColonia High School graduates from around 1975 to 1995, had them, he said. Lupiano sister, Angela DeCillis, was also diagnosed with a tumor and died in February. Colonia High School's official newsletter is titled The Declaration. An individual in New Jersey has alerted the media of a public health concern involving over a hundredlocal people diagnosed with rare cancers. 'I had symptoms for three + years prior but was undetected until it got worse. An environmental assessment began last month to test the school grounds, which turned up no findings of radiological contaminants, according to NJ.com, a New Jersey news site. In addition, T&M and Cabrera Services Inc, a radiological and environmental remediation company, will acquire real time radiation measurements from the interior and exterior of the building as part of an intensive survey of all 28 acres of the Colonia High School property. Council's resolution states T&Menvironmentalists will conduct "Radiological Assessments" at CHS. Test results: Once the test was concluded, it was found that there was no trace of radiological contaminants that would lead to brain tumors or other central nervous system disorders, according to NJ.com. He, his wife, and his sister all attended the school in the '90s. More than 120 people who attended Colonia High School in New Jersey have been diagnosed with brain tumors. 'I'm currently have issues with the right ear and tube on the cancer side I'm worried about.'. [27] In 2018, the team won the 2018 North II, Group III state sectional championship, with a 57-33 victory over West Morris Central High School. ", Geiger counters, Csaszar said, are "very sensitive detectors.". We do not believe that there is cause for any further testing, and that the children of this school, the faculty of this school and the parents of these children can have confidence that this is a safe place, said New Jersey EPA Commissioner Shawn LaTourette in a press conference in Middlesex County, New Jersey, on Thursday. Colonia High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school that serves students in ninth through twelfth grades in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Mr Lupiano's sister was diagnosed with this cancer at the age of 44, passing away shortly afterwards. Specialist doctors remove as much of the cancer as possible during the operation. Lupianolaunched an investigation to uncover what was happening, with him delving into the school's history including what was on the site before. He says that he is still not convinced that the state government is taking the issue seriously. District Superintendent Dr Joseph Massimo added: 'I'm a lifelong resident here. He started with a small pool of patients but as the numbers grew he noticed people had either worked or studied at the same high school. NJDOH Expected Report 5/24/2022. Unfortunately, it turned out to be stage 4 glioblastoma. Dozens of former Colonia High School students have been diagnosed with rare cancers, such as large brain tumors called Acoustic Neuroma (AN) and Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). . Twenty years later, his wife was diagnosed with the same type of tumor, which the doctor stated was just as likely as both of them being struck by lightning, per the Deseret News. , updated They may just rely on what we give them. The family lives close enough to see it. The radioactive rock is actually a piece of granite! Seitz: Woodbridge School District Via: Fax 908-750-3493 Dear Dr. Seitz On May 6, 1997, we were alerted to a possible radiation hazard a the Colonia High School. By posting your comment you agree to the house rules, The comments below have not been moderated, By The rock was said to have been taken away by a chemist for testing and was allegedly later found not to be dangerous. On May 7, 1997, Mr. William Csaszar reported to the school, reviewed avaiable information, and . There is a superfund site about 10 miles away the Middlesex Sampling Plant. Earlier this year his inbox became flooded with former classmates and teachers from the school saying they were also dealing with rare brain tumors. These canisters do not pose a risk to students and only test radon levels in the air. Is that a problem? Lupiano says. New Jersey's least populated municipalities, according to the 2020 Census. There is a potential link between Colonia High School and a Middlesex, New Jersey, Middlesex Sampling Plant. Dozens of former Colonia High School students have been diagnosed with rare cancers, such as large brain tumors called Acoustic Neuroma (AN) and Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). While there is no known direct correlation between this incident and the cluster of brain tumors that has emerged from former students and staff, it is worth noting the history of that area that could have potentially led to both incidents. 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. [13] The school was ranked 208th in the magazine's September 2006 issue, which surveyed 316 schools across the state. WOODBRIDGE The township has approved an emergency contract of $221,350 for an engineering firm to conduct radiological assessments at Colonia High School, following a 1989 graduate's research indicating a possible link between the school and brain tumor cases among former students and staff. In the '90s, the high school had another scare, this time on a much smaller scale that was ultimately ruled out as a possible concern. Luke Andrews For Dailymail.Com, EXCLUSIVE: 'My husband is not going to die!' 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. A mayor has pledged to look into brain cancer cases at a New Jersey high school. All Rights Reserved, New Jersey cancer cluster school finds no traces of radiation. Glioblastoma is a stage IV type of brain cancer, meaning it is fast-growing. Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey may be the common link between the unusual number of rare cancer cases. They include: Brain scans are used to detect the cancer. 'Fast forward to August of last year. Any opinions expressed are his own. Source: Cancer Research UK, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. I know for a fact in 1997 a radioactive rock was found in the school. The Woodbridge School District superintendent at the time then added: Radioactivity is ubiquitous in the environment. CodeRed. when a priest read Joe his last rites after suffering a brain aneurysm, biography of First Lady reveals, First all-private astronaut crew begin science experiments on the ISS: Wealthy businessmen get down to work in space after paying $55 million each for the ten day trip, Childhood friend of killer nurse Lucy Letby stands by her, Lucy Letby: Childhood friend describes child killer as kindest person, Shocking moment a dog attacks a police horse, Prince William apologises for not attending the World Cup final, Van thought to contain serial killer Lucy Letby arrives at court, Judge: Killer Lucy Letby 'robbed parents of cherished children', Girl poses for photo moments before missile hit Ukrainian theatre, I am watching BBC: Presenter hilarious blunder introducing the news, Detective: It's as if Letby 'read the book' as murders mirror Allitt's, Roads massively flooded after Tropical Storm Hilary in California, Bodycam shows Colorado cop shoot woman to death in her car, Inside the prison where Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Former Woodbridge, N.J. resident says 65 people who either attended or worked at Colonia High School have had rare brain tumors - CBS New York, Why Al Lupiano raised alarm over Colonia HS cancer links - YouTube. The fast-growing cells also invade nearby brain tissue, making them hard to remove, but generally do not spread to other areas of the body. [14] Schooldigger.com ranked the school tied for 93rd out of 381 public high schools statewide in its 2011 rankings (an increase of 61 positions from the 2010 ranking) which were based on the combined percentage of students classified as proficient or above proficient on the mathematics (86.2%) and language arts literacy (97.6%) components of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).[15]. Woodbridge Township hascreated a section on its website dedicated toColonia High School Health Information. The teacher of Earth science, Rita English, showed the students how to use a Geiger counter to detect radiation in the rock. A rock was found in the school a rock that should not have been there. Angela M. DeCillis, a Colonia High School graduate, Class of '95. The high school was evacuated and a HAZMAT team secured the rock in a lead-lined box. The Lyon Firm is currently involved with property contamination cases, and investigates toxic exposure cases on behalf of plaintiffs nationwide. The Middlesex plant received uranium, thorium and beryllium ores between the 1940s and 1967, around the same time Colonia High School was built. The rock was identified as a chunk of pegmatite coated with autunite, a uranium calcium phosphate that is radioactive. . Just 17 percent of patients survive more than two years after diagnosis. The township and school district have had discussions and meetings with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the state Department of Health, the state Department of Environmental Protection and Rep. Frank Pallones office. In one bizarre instance, a science lesson was pulled to a halt when a teacher practicing with aGeiger counter started picking up huge readings for radiation on a rock. And together we'll figure out the next course of action.". Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Federal and state agencies, meanwhile, are starting their own investigation. "It will be a lesson they'll never forget," Seitz said. They are rare, accounting for about eight per cent of all brain tumor diagnoses. "People are concerned, naturally, with what seems to be a significant number of cases of brain-related cancers and tumors from people who have been to the school," McCormac said. "I don't know what the cause is," Lupiano said. CHS Radiological Report 5/25/2022. He continued: 'There could be a real problem here, and our residents deserve to know if there are any dangers. While Lupiano believes ionizing radiation may be responsible for the possible cancer cluster, it's unlikely that the rock is related. I raised my family here. Emergency Service Registries. [30], In 2020, John Poznanski won the individual NJSIAA state wrestling championship in the 182-pound weight class.[31]. The victims, who all went toColonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, developed the 'rare'glioblastoma years after studying or working there. Despite this, local officials have voiced their concerns at Lupiano's findings, with the mayor pledging to look at possible links between the diseases and the school. 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Piscataway man convicted of exploiting daughters college peers after moving into dorm, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. According to the Associated Press, a simple classroomdemonstrationof a Geiger counter resulted in panic when the radiation detectorshowed troubling results when a loud clamor was heard over a rock. [22], Dagmara Wozniak was the state sabre champion in 2005. By and Lupiano began researching to see if other Woodbridge friends and family members had been diagnosed with brain tumors. This page is not available in other languages. Patients with very small growths up to two millimeters (0.07inches) in diameter are normally only offered a brain scan every 12 months to keep an eye on the tumor. 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. After surgery, some patients are offered chemotherapy for several months. In the meantime, the investigation continues. [28] In 2022, the team won the North II Group III sectional championship, defeating South Plainfield High School by a score of 56-52 in double overtime in the finals. The Department of Health responded to the incident saying: We learned that one of the school's science teachers was demonstrating the use of a geiger counter (along with an accompanying sample of a low level radioactive source) as part of a science class lesson earlier that day. . Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, Labor Day snuck up on you? Glioblastoma, or glioblastoma multiforme, is an aggressive type of brain cancer. "Then she brought out this big rock, and when she touched it, it started beeping real loud.". He died 15 years ago from brain cancer. Known for its robust athletics programs, Colonia High School offers an array of opportunities for students to excel in various sports. 1:44. It is currently unknown why so many Woodbridge . Lupiano has worked for 30 years in environmental science. Map & Directions. ", 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 Girlfriend Still Has Feelings For Her Ex,
Champlain Housing Trust St Albans Vt,
Articles C
