Tag:

Brain Cancer

VIDEO: Massive Police Procession Honors Late Englewood Cliffs Police Capt. Keith Wicker VIDEO: Massive Police Procession Honors Late Englewood Cliffs Police Capt. Keith Wicker
Video: Massive Police Procession Honors Late Englewood Cliffs Police Capt. Keith Wicker A massive police procession made its way through multiple Bergen County towns on Thursday, Feb. 26, as Englewood Cliffs Police Capt. Keith Wicker was laid to rest. Videos shared by the Paramus Police Department's motor unit show the escort from Becker Funeral Home in Westwood to St. Pius X Church in Old Tappan, and then to George Washington Cemetery in Paramus (scroll for a list of participating agencies). Wicker, 51, of Old Tappan, died on Friday, Feb. 20, after a years-long brain cancer battle andmore than 25 years on the force. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and their ch…
Vernon HS Freshman, Swimmer Dies Months After Brain Cancer Diagnosis Vernon HS Freshman, Swimmer Dies Months After Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Vernon HS Freshman, Swimmer Dies Months After Brain Cancer Diagnosis Shock and sadness spread across Sussex County over the weekend following the death of a local swimmer. Adrienn Kovacs a freshman at Vernon High School, died Thursday, Jan. 22, her family shared on a GoFundMe campaign that had raised more than $31,000 as of press time. She was 14 years old and had been battling DIPG, an aggressive brain cancer, since early May 2025. Campaign founder Sarah Schwarz said Adrienn was “an integral part of our SCY Swordfish swim team family” and described her as “one of the hardest workers and fiercest competitors we’ve ever seen... Throughout her illnes…
USPS Mail Carrier Diagnosed With Stage 4 Brain Cancer, Supporters Rally In PA USPS Mail Carrier Diagnosed With Stage 4 Brain Cancer, Supporters Rally In PA
USPS Mail Carrier Diagnosed With Stage 4 Brain Cancer, Supporters Rally In PA A longtime United States Postal Service mail carrier is fighting for his life, and the Pennsylvania community he served for nearly two decades is stepping up to help. Doug Kilgore, who has worked for the USPS for 18 years, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer — on Tuesday, July 23, according to a GoFundMe started by his friend and colleague Don Marconi. The campaign, launched just two days ago, has already raised over $5,600 from nearly 50 donors, including two anonymous $1,000 contributions. The goal is set at $25,000. “Doug has always deli…
10-Year-Old Lynbrook Girl Battling Brain Cancer Sparks Swelling Of Support 10-Year-Old Lynbrook Girl Battling Brain Cancer Sparks Swelling Of Support
10-Year-Old Lynbrook Girl Battling Brain Cancer Sparks Swelling Of Support Support is flooding in for a 10-year-old Long Island girl who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Kimberly Nugent, of Lynbrook, was taken to the hospital after suffering from headaches and nausea, according to a GoFundMe. Doctors diagnosed her with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor, and performed surgery to remove most of it. While the operation was successful, Kimberly will still require long-term chemotherapy and radiation treatments, family friend Jon Gladstone wrote on a GoFundMe campaign. Nearly $50,000 had been raised to support the Nugent family as of Monday, Aug. 18. …
Retired Greenwich Hero Officer Dies After Battle With Cancer: 'We Will Miss Him Every Day' Retired Greenwich Hero Officer Dies After Battle With Cancer: 'We Will Miss Him Every Day'
Retired Greenwich Hero Officer Dies After Battle With Cancer: 'We Will Miss Him Every Day' A highly decorated, retired Greenwich police officer and US Marine — widely supported by the community during his battle with brain cancer — has passed away. He was just 63 years old. Robert Hansen Jr., the son of a retired Greenwich detective, joined the department in 1987 after serving in the Marine Corps. He served with distinction until his retirement in 2016 and continued his commitment to public service as a special officer even after stepping down, the department said.  Hansen gained local acclaim in 2009 after he saved an elderly woman who became lost during a snowstorm. He fou…
Uche Ojeh, Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Sheinelle Jones, Dies Uche Ojeh, Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Sheinelle Jones, Dies
Uche Ojeh, Husband Of Today Show Co-Host Sheinelle Jones, Dies The husband of a popular co-host on the Today Show has died, according to NBC. Sheinelle Jones’ spouse of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, was 45. Ojeh had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, the network said in announcing the news. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children," Today co-host Savannah Guthrie said on Friday morning, May 23. "Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.” The two met at North…
Trailblazing Ex-Congresswoman Mia Love Dies At 49 Trailblazing Ex-Congresswoman Mia Love Dies At 49
Trailblazing Ex-Congresswoman Mia Love Dies At 49 A former US congresswoman who became a television commentator has died. Mia Love, a New York native who grew up in Connecticut, was 49 and had been battling brain cancer. After moving west, she served as mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah — about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City — from 2010 to 2014. She was then elected to Congress in 2014 to represent Utah’s 4th District, becoming the first Black Republican woman elected to the House. She served two terms, beginning in 2015. News of her death was announced by her family on social media late Sunday night, March 23.  "With grateful heart…
Mount Olive Mayor's Granddaughter Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: Remembering Wrenna Mount Olive Mayor's Granddaughter Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: Remembering Wrenna
Mount Olive Mayor's Granddaughter Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: Remembering Wrenna Sadness spread through a New Jersey community following the death of a toddler diagnosed with cancer in late 2024. Wrenna Schey — whose grandfather is Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro — died on Saturday, Jan. 11 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, according to her obituary at the Stroyan Funeral Home website. She was 2.5 years old. "She fought a tough battle and was stronger than anything I have ever seen in my life," her parents, Matt and Amanda said on a GoFundMe campaign that was started in early December, around the time Mayor Nicastro announced that his granddaughter had been diagno…
Support Swells For Massapequa Naval Officer, Ex-Wrestler Facing 'Toughest Fight Of His Life' Support Swells For Massapequa Naval Officer, Ex-Wrestler Facing 'Toughest Fight Of His Life'
Support Swells For Massapequa Naval Officer, Ex-Wrestler Facing 'Toughest Fight Of His Life' A Long Island father and naval officer in the fight of his life is finding an outpouring of support from the community. Chris Araoz, of Massapequa, has been described as many things to those who know him best: a devoted father, a loving husband, a brave naval officer, and a fierce competitor on the wrestling mat at Columbia University. Now, his family and friends are rallying around him as he faces "the toughest fight of his life," a rare and terminal brain cancer diagnosis. “In this unimaginable moment, Chris’s wife, family, and friends have rallied around him, offering love, strength, a…
NYU Wrestling Captain From Montvale Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit NYU Wrestling Captain From Montvale Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit
NYU Wrestling Captain From Montvale Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit Benny Bautista isn’t new to tough battles.  The 21-year-old captain of the NYU wrestling team and Paramus Catholic grad has spent years facing challenges on the mat. But now, Bautista, of Montvale, NJ, is up against something even tougher: Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Despite the diagnosis that came just after New Year's, Bautista's unwavering spirit and selflessness have not faltered. For his teammates, Bautista is more than just a leader—he’s the glue that holds them together. "When I think of altruism, I think of Benny," said Danny Lightfoot, team …
Mount Olive Mayor Launches Fundraiser For Granddaughter Battling Brain Cancer Mount Olive Mayor Launches Fundraiser For Granddaughter Battling Brain Cancer
Mount Olive Mayor Launches Fundraiser For Granddaughter Battling Brain Cancer Wrenna is just 2.5 years old but is already in the fight of her life. Wrenna has been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy and various treatments, Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro, her grandfather said.  Nicastro has launched a fundraiser to assist his family with the many expenses they have faced. As of Friday, Dec. 6, almost $46,000 has been raised. Amanda and her family are all in my thoughts, a very good friend of mine who’s 2 1/2 year old daughter is battling stage... Posted by Natalie Saunders on Thursday, December 5, 2024 "This has been an i…
Rockville's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Rockville's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé
Rockville's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Joan Vassos is off the market. The 61-year-old school administrator, widow, and proud grandmother from Rockville, MD got engaged on the thrilling season finale of "The Golden Bachelorette," which aired Wednesday evening, Nov. 13. Joan lost her husband to cancer after 32 years of marriage. Joan, who made history as ABC's first-ever senior Bachelorette, captured hearts across the nation with her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to take a second chance on love.  Audiences watched her journey unfold, and in a moment that fans won’t soon forget, she said “yes” to her final rose pick in a he…
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8 Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8 Tristan Lozada, an 8-year-old Sparta resident died after battling brain cancer on Monday, Oct. 28, according to his obituary from the Shook Funeral Home website. Tristan had moved to Sparta from Newark and enjoyed dancing, Halloween, and playing Roblox on his iPad, his obituary reads. He is survived by his parents, James and Monica,  his brother James and his grandparents Mercede, Luzmila and Victor, according to his obituary. A fundraiser was set up to assist his family with expenses while he battled the cancer, which was diagnosed in August 2023. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, almost $38,…
Basketball Hall Of Famer, Former NJ Net Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58 Basketball Hall Of Famer, Former NJ Net Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58
Basketball Hall Of Famer, Former NJ Net Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58 Basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks as part of a Hall of Fame career, died of brain cancer at the age of 58, the NBA announced on Monday, Sept. 30. We share our condolences with his wife, Rose, the entire Mutombo family, and their loved ones. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3j7M1ONqxJ — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 30, 2024 Mutombo, who also played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, was known for his signature shot block, which he would follow up by wagging his finger and yelling, "No No No!…
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer
Central Jersey Toddler Battling Brain Cancer Receives New Pool In Time For Summer A young boy in Monmouth County battling brain cancer will have plenty of summer fun thanks to some generous donations. An above-ground saltwater pool was donated to three-year-old Mick Augustitus, the Ashley Lauren Foundation said in a Facebook post. The Hazlet toddler was diagnosed with four brain tumors and several tumors on his spine. At Home Recreation donated the pool, while Kiki Pools in South Amboy donated a heater and installed the pool. "Not only did Mick come home from stem-cell transplant last Friday [May 17], but his pool was done the same day he came home," the Ashle…
'To Know Her Is To Love Her': Community Rallies Around Malden Woman With Stage 4 Brain Cancer 'To Know Her Is To Love Her': Community Rallies Around Malden Woman With Stage 4 Brain Cancer
'To Know Her Is To Love Her': Community Rallies Around Malden Woman With Stage 4 Brain Cancer Friends of a lifelong Malden resident recently diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer say they hope a fundraiser will help ease some of her heavy burdens as she prepares for the fight of her life.  Kathy Mestas, who attended Emerson Elementary, Beebe Jr. High, and graduated from Malden High School, according to a GoFundMe recently created for her, was told she had Astrocytoma about two months ago. Since then, she's undergone an intense routine of chemotherapy and radiation.  Her friend Lisa D'Ambrosio created the fundraiser to help pay for her bills and medical needs w…
NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29 NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29
NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29 Theresa Callaghan, a 29-year-old Mount Olive native, died on Monday, Feb. 26 after battling brain cancer, according to her obituary. Born in Cranford, Callaghan graduated from Mount Olive High School in 2012, her obituary reads. She graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in nutrition and dietetics and later achieved her master's in nutrition from St. Elizabeth University, according to her obituary. Callaghan was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2023, according to a fundraiser set up to support her medical bills. As of Thursday, March 7, more than $106,000 had been raised.…
Jersey Shore Mom Kate Herdman Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle Jersey Shore Mom Kate Herdman Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle
Jersey Shore Mom Kate Herdman Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle A family is mourning the death of a Monmouth County mother who died from brain cancer less than a week after her birthday. Kathryn "Kate" Herdman was diagnosed with "an aggressive terminal grade-four glioblastoma tumor" in November 2023, according to a memorial fundraiser on GoFundMe. Her obituary said the South Toms River woman died at 36 years old on Monday, Feb. 12. On the GoFundMe page, Kate's husband Jesse Hardman said the family's health insurance was "wrongfully terminated" a few weeks before her death. "Some of Kate’s healthcare providers were asking me if I was ready to pay out of…
Perth Amboy Hoops Player, Brain Cancer Survivor Honored By Rutgers Scarlet Knights, RWJBarnabas Perth Amboy Hoops Player, Brain Cancer Survivor Honored By Rutgers Scarlet Knights, RWJBarnabas
Perth Amboy Hoops Player, Brain Cancer Survivor Honored By Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Rwjbarnabas A Perth Amboy High School basketball player and brain cancer survivor was recently honored as the "Shining Knight of the Game" at Rutgers University. Yadielis Gonzalez, 17, got to hang out with players from the Rutgers women's basketball team before their Jan. 5 game and stand with them during the National Anthem. She was later honored at center court during halftime joined by the Scarlet Knight mascot and her sister, Jossie. The "Shining Knight of the Game" is a collaboration between Rutgers Athletics and RWJBarnabas Health spotlighting patients battling healthcare challenges. Yadiel…
Beloved Maryland Dad Michael Buckhout-White
Dies After Battle With Recurrent Brain Cancer, 42 Beloved Maryland Dad Michael Buckhout-White
Dies After Battle With Recurrent Brain Cancer, 42
Dies After Battle With Recurrent Brain Cancer, 42 Maryland is in mourning for Michael John Buckhout-White, a devoted father of two who died following a brave battle with recurrent brain cancer on Friday, Dec. 29. He was 42. Born in Silver Spring, Michael attended Montgomery Blair High School, where he was a drummer in jazz band before his graduation in 1999, his obituary says. He then earned an AA with a certificate in Computer Graphics from Montgomery College and transferred to UMBC before earning a BA in Digital and Imaging Arts. Michael worked at MacUpgrades in Bethesda while continuing to follow his creative passion throughout college…
Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47 Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47
Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Dies At Age 47 A much beloved Fairfield County fire marshall has died after a short battle with cancer. Norwalk Deputy Fire Marshal Luca Feola was 47. He died on Thursday, Nov. 2, said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. Feola served in the Norwalk Fire Department for nearly 20 years. He started as a firefighter in 2004 and was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal in 2011.  Feola grew up in Norwalk and was well-loved by the Norwalk Fire Department and the larger community, Rilling said. He was also a loving husband and father and served in the US Marine Corps before beginning his career as a fi…
Waltham Man, 35, Dies After Stroke, 3 Cardiac Arrests, Community Helps Widow Bear Burden Waltham Man, 35, Dies After Stroke, 3 Cardiac Arrests, Community Helps Widow Bear Burden
Waltham Man, 35, Dies After Stroke, 3 Cardiac Arrests, Community Helps Widow Bear Burden A Middlesex County man diagnosed with brain cancer died before he was able to start treatment. Michael Martins, of Waltham, and formerly of Newton, Medford, and Framingham, died on Aug. 1 after a hemorrhagic stroke, brain bleed, three cardiac arrests, and internal bleeding of the lungs, according to a GoFundMe created for his funeral expenses.  The hemorrhagic stroke left Martins, age 35, disabled and unable to walk, talk, or eat for a period of time before his death. "He touched many lives in a short period of time and will be truly missed by all who were fortunate to have known…
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter'
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Victor Vilela, a 42-year-old Elizabeth native, died on Monday, July 24, after a 17-year battle with brain cancer, according to his obituary. Born in Elizabeth, Vilela was an active member of a brain tumor support group and worked at Elizabeth General Hospital, ShopRite in Linden and Wegmans in Woodbridge, his obituary reads. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, his son, Mauricio, his parents, Maria and Acacio, his sister Sonia as well as other family members, according to his obituary. Following his death, Vilela's tribute wall was filled with remembrances. "Your sense of humor had everyon…
Philly Area Gymnastics Coach Battles Brain Cancer Philly Area Gymnastics Coach Battles Brain Cancer
Philly Area Gymnastics Coach Battles Brain Cancer Philadelphia area neighbors are stepping up to help a local gymnastics teacher battling a brain cancer diagnosis.  Tara Metzler-Armento, 43, has coached at Metzler's Gymnastics in Downingtown for more than two decades, loved ones say. Together with her husband Mike, who owns CrossFit Rock Solid, the family is well-known in Downingtown fitness circles, according to those close to the family.  But health and well-being took an even more central role in the family's life when Tara was diagnosed with a brain tumor on May 4, said organizer Lauren Delaney on GoFundMe.  Since …
Virginia Boy Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle Virginia Boy Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle
Virginia Boy Dies After Valiant Brain Cancer Battle Community support is on the rise for a grieving Loudoun County family whose 5-year-old died of an incurable form of brain cancer. Evan Orval Sweeney passed away Monday, June 19 following a brave battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which lasted over a year, his obituary says. Evan was endlessly enthusiastic about spending time with his family, his memorial says. Evan and family.GoFundMe photo He was being remembered for his two different smiles — “one big one that would light up the entire world that he would show you for the biggest laughs, and one crooked mischievous …
Support Rises For South Jersey Pharmacist Having Consistent Seizures Since 3rd Cancer Operation Support Rises For South Jersey Pharmacist Having Consistent Seizures Since 3rd Cancer Operation
Support Rises For South Jersey Pharmacist Having Consistent Seizures Since 3rd Cancer Operation Support is on the rise for a South Jersey pharmacist who’s been battling brain cancer since 2014, recently undergoing his third surgery and enduring seizures almost constantly. John Marcheski, of Sewell, had his first operation following his initial diagnosis in 2014, according to a GoFundMe describing him as a “friend, co-worker, son, brother, father, grandfather and husband to Katie Marcheski.” “If you know him you know he is an intelligent pharmacist with a wonderful sense of humor,” reads the campaign, launched out of Egg Harbor Township in early May. After his first surgery, Marches…
Beloved Ocean County Auto Tech Thomas Davis Dies After Battling Rare Brain Cancer, 20 Beloved Ocean County Auto Tech Thomas Davis Dies After Battling Rare Brain Cancer, 20
Beloved Ocean County Auto Tech Thomas Davis Dies After Battling Rare Brain Cancer, 20 Beloved Ocean County auto technician Thomas Luke Davis died Wednesday, May 10 following a brave battle with brain cancer. He was 20. Born in Lakewood, Thomas was a lifelong resident of Manchester, his obituary says. He participated in Little League and baseball before graduating from Manchester High School in 2020. Thomas “absolutely enjoyed” working as an Auto Technician for Pine Belt Subaru in Lakewood, reads his memorial. He was passionate about spending his free time outdoors — riding quads, fishing, bow hunting, camping, and more. Thomas also had an enthusiastic and insightful mind a…
North Jersey Tech Leader June Gabel Leaves ‘Unparalleled Legacy' After Brain Cancer Death At 45 North Jersey Tech Leader June Gabel Leaves ‘Unparalleled Legacy' After Brain Cancer Death At 45
North Jersey Tech Leader June Gabel Leaves ‘Unparalleled Legacy' After Brain Cancer Death At 45 Tributes and donations are pouring in for the family of a tech industry leader and “supermom” of two from North Jersey who lost a multi-year battle with brain cancer. June Patricia Gabel of Whitehouse Station died on Tuesday, April 25, her obituary says. She was 45. A Branchburg native, June graduated from Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools in 1995, says her social media page. June was the director of program management at the JS Group, as well as a “constant” at Channel Partners Conference & Expo, according to her memorial. Her colleagues described her as kind, compa…
South Jersey Coach, Dad Braces For 30 Rounds Of Brain Cancer Treatment South Jersey Coach, Dad Braces For 30 Rounds Of Brain Cancer Treatment
South Jersey Coach, Dad Braces For 30 Rounds Of Brain Cancer Treatment In less than a month, reality changed for an Atlantic County dad and sports coach. Absecon's John Gorman was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of malignant brain cancer, earlier this month. He's already had brain surgery, and now, he's bracing for 30 rounds of radiation treatment at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. A GoFundMe page launched for the family had raised more than $39,600 as of Thursday, March 23. The Gormans will need to commute to Philadelphia every day for six weeks. Chemotherapy will begin simultaneously. "John and Erin were b…
7-Year-Old 'Wonder Woman' From South Shore Fighting Rare Form Of Brain Cancer 7-Year-Old 'Wonder Woman' From South Shore Fighting Rare Form Of Brain Cancer
7-Year-Old 'Wonder Woman' From South Shore Fighting Rare Form Of Brain Cancer A 7-year-old "superhero" from the South Shore is getting the strength to battle a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer from an army of supporters.  Adelia, of Marshfield, was diagnosed with high grade diffuse midline glioma earlier this month, her aunt and uncle wrote on a GoFundMe page published on Friday, March 10.  The strain of cancer has tumors, which start in the brain or spinal cord, that target the central nervous system, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In order to get an accurate diagnosis, a piece of the tumor tissue needs to be removed, the agency continued…
Selfless Wakefield Father Of 3 Battling Rare Form Of Brain Cancer Selfless Wakefield Father Of 3 Battling Rare Form Of Brain Cancer
Selfless Wakefield Father Of 3 Battling Rare Form Of Brain Cancer A Wakefield father to three children who "would immediately drop what he was doing to help you" needs help as he battles an extremely rare form of brain cancer.   Teddy Higgins, age 41, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma on Tuesday, Jan. 3, a GoFundMe campaign reads. About three percent of brain tumors are oligodendrogliomas and can only be fought with treatment instead of surgery.  The diagnosis means Higgins will have to undergo four weeks of daily radiation followed by six weeks of "intense" chemotherapy, the campaign reads. This pre…