Fundraiser Reaches Goal For Funeral Westhill HS Student Found Dead In New Canaan Fundraiser Reaches Goal For Funeral Westhill HS Student Found Dead In New Canaan
Fundraiser Reaches Goal For Funeral Westhill HS Student Found Dead In New Canaan A fundraiser for a Fairfield County high school student who was found dead in a wooded area has reached its goal to pay for funeral expenses. Related: ID Released For Man Found Dead In New Canaan Woods Santos Eujedo Perez, exact age not provided, of Stamford, was found dead Tuesday, July 9, in New Canaan in a wooded area after working at a construction site. Perez, a quiet but friendly Westhill High School student, was reported missing by family on Monday, July 8, according to the New Cannan Police. "Everyone associated with Stamford Public Schools is devastated by the passing of S…
Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says
Wayne Native Collapses While Walking Dog, Fighting For Her Life, Campaign Says Lauren Krissi, a Wayne native was out walking her dog on Thursday, May 30, when she collapsed while walking her dog. Krissi was found unresponsive and rushed to Overlook Medical Center where she has remained with little responsiveness. Krissi is awaiting the next steps on her road to rehabilitation. A fundraiser has been created to assist her on this journey. As of Friday, June 21, more than $53,800 has been raised. My beautiful daughter Lauren!!! Please read below! Thank you! Posted by Linda Kaulf-Krissi on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Lauren, "is an incredible person," co-worker Steve…
Union County Dad, Coach Battling Brain Cancer Sees Overwhelming Support Union County Dad, Coach Battling Brain Cancer Sees Overwhelming Support
Union County Dad, Coach Battling Brain Cancer Sees Overwhelming Support Phil Orsini, a Union County dad, is in the fight of his life. But he won't do it alone. Orsini, of Scotch Plains, was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, brain cancer, last year. He had surgery at Morristown Medical Center and underwent nine months of treatments, according to a campaign launched for his fight.  Despite his diagnosis, Orsini continued to live his life, coaching youth softball and basketball, fishing, golfing, performing punk rock karaoke and spending time with his wife Jill, and his two daughters, Lena and Amelia. In March, Orsini's condition worsened and he was…
Support Swells For Montclair Native Battling Cancer Support Swells For Montclair Native Battling Cancer
Support Swells For Montclair Native Battling Cancer Zoe Rosenberg recently celebrated her 23rd birthday — battling the fight of her life. A Montclair native, Rosenberg was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2022, according to a GoFundMe launched for her care. She underwent surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and the disease went into remission for nine months, allowing her to continue her studies at Northeastern. The cancer has since returned, though, and the fundraiser was launched in an effort to assist her family, who have relocated to Boston to assist her with her care.  My friend Lisa Williamson Rosenberg is facing a new medical c…
Bayonne Wrestling Coach Recovering From Kidney Transplant Sees Surge Of Support Bayonne Wrestling Coach Recovering From Kidney Transplant Sees Surge Of Support
Bayonne Wrestling Coach Recovering From Kidney Transplant Sees Surge Of Support Jerome Otis-Harris, the wrestling coach at Bayonne High School, is seeing a surge of support after recovering from a kidney transplant last year. A fundraiser has been created to assist Otis-Harris after he received a kidney transplant in November, while he continues to battle focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a chronic condition that causes scarring in the kidney.  Christmas came early for me this year. BLESSING me with a new kidney. I want to say Merry Christmas to everybody 🎄🙏🏾🙌🏾. Thank you for your prayers and help with everything. Will come back even stronger Posted by Jerome Oti…
Support Swells For Union County's 'Queen Of Dunkin' Battling Cancer Support Swells For Union County's 'Queen Of Dunkin' Battling Cancer
Support Swells For Union County's 'Queen Of Dunkin' Battling Cancer Customers at the Dunkin' on Mountain Avenue in Springfield can always count on Maria Urmatan. She knows everyone's name and order and greets patrons with a smile and a greeting. But Urmatan is currently in the fight for his life. Diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, Urmatan, recently finished chemotherapy and will have a double mastectomy on Thursday, Feb. 15. Urmatan does not have health insurance. "Treatment for her cancer is going to ruin her family financially," Denyce Yannazzone, who organized a fundraiser for Urmatan said.  As of Monday, Feb. 12, more than $32,200 has been ra…
First Responders Rally For Hunterdon County Police Officer Diagnosed With ALS First Responders Rally For Hunterdon County Police Officer Diagnosed With ALS
First Responders Rally For Hunterdon County Police Officer Diagnosed With ALS A longtime first responder in Hunterdon County is in the fight for his life. Peter Serrone, 49, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, (ALS) in Dec. 2023, following a longtime career as a first responder, serving as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and police officer, first in Raritan Township and later Readington Township, where he achieved a rank the corporal. A fundraiser has been set up to assist Serrone and his family with costs related to ALS. As of Friday, Feb. 9, more than $20,000 has been raised.  Please help us support Rescue Squad Honorary Life Member Pete S…
Donations Flood In For Florham Park Family Battling Breast Cancer Donations Flood In For Florham Park Family Battling Breast Cancer
Donations Flood In For Florham Park Family Battling Breast Cancer A Florham Park family has seen overwhelming support from the community as their cancer fight continues. Caryn Elefante has been battling stage four metastatic breast cancer for several years, undergoing immunotherapy, oral chemotherapy and intravenous chemotherapy, according to a GoFundMe for the family. The family will need to hire nurses to assist with her care as her condition worsens and Joe, her husband, wants to take time off from his teaching job to be with Caryn and their 12-year-old daughter, Cate. I’m so excited that Caryn’s Storyworth book has arrived! It’s her whole life st…
Edison Woman Seriously Injured After Struck By Speeding Car Sees Community Support Edison Woman Seriously Injured After Struck By Speeding Car Sees Community Support
Edison Woman Seriously Injured After Struck By Speeding Car Sees Community Support Suchrita Kamath has a long road to recovery. The Edison woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a speeding car at a crosswalk on Saturday, Dec. 23. Kamath sustained a skull fracture, spinal fracture, internal bleeding, pelvic fracture, multiple collar bone fractures and other severe internal injuries and was unconscious for five days. She remains hospitalized.  Kamath has launched a fundraiser to assist her with overwhelming medical bills. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $108,000 has been raised. "I have been a self -employed single mother for over a decade and I am the on…
Traveling Barber Burned In RV Explosion In CT: 'This Will Be Long Recovery' Traveling Barber Burned In RV Explosion In CT: 'This Will Be Long Recovery'
Traveling Barber Burned In RV Explosion In CT: 'This Will Be Long Recovery' A Connecticut barber and tattoo artist known for traveling to his customers faces a long recovery after being severely burned in an explosion inside the recreational vehicle that he worked out of.  New London County resident Joshua Serrano of Norwich, also known as "Mostro," was injured in an explosion on Saturday, Dec. 16 while refilling his propane tank in the Tolland County town of Columbia.  Serrano, the owner of The Barber Express, is known for meeting his clients where they are to make haircuts more accessible to them. To do this, he worked out of his RV, which had…
Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (PHOTOS) Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (PHOTOS)
Park Ridge Neighbors Collab On Dazzling 42K Christmas Light Display (Photos) Matt Kaprielian's Christmas lights display looks like something out of a holiday movie. He has more than 25,000 lights up at his home at 138 Ridge Ave., in Park Ridge.  "I'm really pushing the limits this year," said Kaprielian, who is almost entirely LED. "Christmas is a gift and I like to give back to the community. This is my gift to our neighborhood." Take a look next door: Kaprielian coordinates lights and music with his next door neighbor, John, at 144 Ridge Ave.  The two began working together to decorate in 2019, when Kaprielian described a "Step Brothers" mome…
Ramsey Rallies Around Man Who Lost Both Parents In Six Months Ramsey Rallies Around Man Who Lost Both Parents In Six Months
Ramsey Rallies Around Man Who Lost Both Parents In Six Months Connor Koch, a 24-year-old Ramsey resident, is reeling following the death of his parents within a six-span month.  Koch's mother, Patty, passed away from colon cancer in April and his father, Dave, died on Sunday, Oct. 29. A fundraiser has been created to assist Koch deal with the financial burden of a funeral and medical costs.. As of Friday, Nov. 3, more than $22,700 has been raised. I keep typing and deleting, trying to figure out how to describe the grief I have been carrying this week after my Uncle... Posted by Kelsey Koch on Thursday, November 2, 2023 "Connor was the center of …
West New York Helps Woman Seriously Injured After Pinned By Van West New York Helps Woman Seriously Injured After Pinned By Van
West New York Helps Woman Seriously Injured After Pinned By Van Iris Flores has had five surgeries since she was pinned by a reversing van on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The incident caused multiple fractures on her pelvic bone, spine, hips and legs, along with other internal wounds. Flores faces future surgeries and will undergo physical therapy.  A fundraiser has been set up to assist with her recovery. As of Monday, Oct. 2, more than $5,410 has been raised.  "All that’s being asked is for a helping hand through this hard time to support Iris and her family," Diana Climaco and Anahis Borjas, who organized the fundraiser said. "Please keep…
Community Health Center Movement Mourns Leading Advocate Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips Community Health Center Movement Mourns Leading Advocate Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips
Community Health Center Movement Mourns Leading Advocate Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips The Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips, a powerful force for change in community health care, died on Tuesday evening, surrounded by loved ones, after a lifetime of distinguished service. A visionary leader, pastor, Community Health Center network founder, and the matriarch of a large and growing family, she helped guide the emergence of patient-led community health care in New York State from its roots in the civil rights movement into the modern era. Rev. Phillips opened the Peekskill Area Ambulatory Health Care Center in 1975 along with three other African American founding mothers: the late…
Hoboken Rallies Around Woman Battling Rare Cancer Hoboken Rallies Around Woman Battling Rare Cancer
Hoboken Rallies Around Woman Battling Rare Cancer Brittney Upman is in the fight for her life and the Hoboken community wants to help. Upman has been battling Leptomeningeal Disease, a rare complication in which late-stage cancer cells spread to your cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. She recently spent her 33rd birthday in the intensive care unit and has undergone brain surgery, chemotherapy and received immunotherapy and proton radiation. A fundraiser has been set up to assist Upman, her husband, Michael and her son, Jett. As of Wednesday, Sept. 14, more than $127,537 has been raised. "Brit…
Mahwah Doc Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award Mahwah Doc Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award
Mahwah Doc Who Helms 30 EMS Agencies Across NJ Recognized With National Award Matthew Letizia has always wanted to help people in their most vulnerable time of need. The 48-year-old Mahwah emergency medical physician was named the 2023 EMS Medical Director of the Year by NAEMT- Bound Tree Sarnova. Letizia will be honored at a ceremony next month in New Orleans. "What I enjoy most is helping those in need who are not able to help themselves," Letizia tells Daily Voice.  "To be able to stand there with the family and I know I did what's best for their loved one and gave them the best chance of survival. How can I help people when they feel the most vulnerable?" Afte…
Community Rallies To Help Man Get Service Dog Community Rallies To Help Man Get Service Dog
Community Rallies To Help Man Get Service Dog An Essex County resident with special needs believes a service dog will change his life for the better. Unfortunately, his insurance won't pay for it. Albie Nieves, a Belleville resident, has launched a fundraiser to help him obtain the dog. As of Thursday, August 17, more than $5,700 has been raised. Nieves is hoping to raise $25,000 to pay for the cost of the dog. "I really need this dog for my independence and confidence in life," said the 23-year-old Nieves, who was born prematurely. The dog will help with assistance in social situations and help Nieves maintain balance when he walks a…
Maui Wildfires: Community Rallies Around Westfield Native Maui Wildfires: Community Rallies Around Westfield Native
Maui Wildfires: Community Rallies Around Westfield Native Amy West, a native of Westfield, lost her home and belongings in the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Now Westfield is helping out one of its own. A fundraiser has been created for West, who has lived in Lahaina since 2019. As of Tuesday, August 15, $12,575 has been raised. West plans on staying in Maui to help people however she can. Since the fire she's volunteered to help transport people and critical supplies. To view the fundraiser, click here.
Passaic County Rallies Around Softball Player Battling Cancer Passaic County Rallies Around Softball Player Battling Cancer
Passaic County Rallies Around Softball Player Battling Cancer Sofie Stokes' toughest battles are usually on the softball diamond. But now she faces an even bigger fight. Stokes, a Totowa resident, was diagnosed with b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July. She has undergone two surgeries and begun chemotherapy. Stokes' father, Nicholas, is a physical education teacher and coach. A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses. As of Monday, August 14, more than $14,300 has been raised. The standout softball player is known as being the first one on the field, always doing anything to help out. Stokes is "always smiling wh…
Jersey City Rallies Around Boy Facing Life-Threatening Illness Overseas Jersey City Rallies Around Boy Facing Life-Threatening Illness Overseas
Jersey City Rallies Around Boy Facing Life-Threatening Illness Overseas Luca Gonzalez, a 13-year-old Jersey City resident, was visiting family in Switzerland when he suddenly fell critically ill and had to be hospitalized. Gonzalez was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax and has undergone several surgeries. The hospital in Switzerland is refusing to accept his insurance, since he is an American citizen.  A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses, which have exceeded $20,000. As of Friday, August 11, more than $22,300 has been raised. Luca's mother, Rene, is a prominent restauranteur in the city, having previously ser…
Community Helps Garwood Family Rebuild After Building Collapse Community Helps Garwood Family Rebuild After Building Collapse
Community Helps Garwood Family Rebuild After Building Collapse Steve, Gina and their family have been faced with unimaginable adversity the last few weeks. Three weeks ago, Gina suffered a severe dislocated ankle, requiring immediate surgery and making every tasks a struggle. While recovering from surgery, their apartment building partially collapsed, making Steve, Gina and all the other tenants homeless. A fundraiser has been created to assist the family. As of Thursday, August 3, more than $9,600 has been raised. The family has been unable to access essential items like clothing and medicine and has been faced with financial difficulties related to …
Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her. While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.  Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.  Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
Family Of Boy Fighting Lymphoma Sees Community Support Family Of Boy Fighting Lymphoma Sees Community Support
Family Of Boy Fighting Lymphoma Sees Community Support Riley Gray is enduring the fight of his life at just seven years old. The New Providence resident was battling stomach pains and after a trip to the emergency room, it was discovered he had a mass on his colon, necessitating emergency surgery. The largest mass was removed, though some tumors remain and Gray will be forced to have a colostomy bag for the next six to eight months. Gray was diagnosed with Burkett's Lymphoma, though the condition is treatable and his prognosis is good. He will remain in the hospital for the next four to six weeks. A fundraiser has been created to assist his fa…
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge Sharon Governale has been battling health issues her entire life. But now she faces her toughest battle. In May, Governale underwent emergency spinal surgery after an infection traveled to her spinal cord. While the surgery was successful, her spinal column suffered severe damage, rendering her a quadriplegic. She currently uses a motorized wheelchair.  Governale has rheumatoid arthritis, has had two hip replacements and battled thyroid cancer. Her health challenges haven't stopped her from working as a preschool special education teacher for the last 18 years and having a three-year-o…
Newark Helps One Of Its Own Open Restaurant Newark Helps One Of Its Own Open Restaurant
Newark Helps One Of Its Own Open Restaurant Inayah Blocker has recently opened her own restaurant, thanks to community support. Blocker, a Newark native, opened Beyond Soul, a soul food and seafood restaurant at 40 Jay Street on Tuesday, July 11, in the city. To help with costs, including signing a lease, Blocker started a fundraiser. As of Friday, July 21, almost $3,600 has been raised. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Inayah Blocker (@ib_jannah) Beyond Soul is also the name of a catering company Blocker ran. She was also a contestant on the Food Network's "Chef Boot Camp…
Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support
Passaic County Family Whose Home Destroyed By Fire Sees Community Support The Fuquene family has been reeling since their West Clifton home was destroyed after being struck by lightning and catching on fire.  While the family of seven made it out safely, they lost their home and personal belongings and are currently staying in a hotel, which has put a financial strain on the family. A fundraiser has been set up to support the family. As of Friday, July 21, almost $4,000 has been raised. Raquel White, who organized the fundraiser, said money raised will assist the family with expenses not covered by insurance and help them rebuild their lives. To view the fu…
Newark Rallies To Help Longtime Resident Get Back On His Feet Newark Rallies To Help Longtime Resident Get Back On His Feet
Newark Rallies To Help Longtime Resident Get Back On His Feet Kenneth Pope has spent the last year and a half fighting for his health. The longtime Newark resident, who is affectionally known as Ken Love or Pope, has been dealing with health issues related to diabetes and issues with his kidneys since Dec. 2021. He has spent 28 years as a track supervisor for the MTA. Pope's health issues have forced him to have to relearn how to walk again. A fundraiser has been created to assist Pope with his medical expenses, most of which are not covered by insurance. As of Thursday, July 20, more than $10,000 has been raised. Pope is hoping to use the money to h…
Essex County Girl With Neurological Disorder Sees Community Support Essex County Girl With Neurological Disorder Sees Community Support
Essex County Girl With Neurological Disorder Sees Community Support Kayla Burrowes' life has been turned upside down as she battles the effects of Functional Neurological Disorder. The West Orange native's medical journey began when she contracted covid-19 and she soon began to have persistent dizziness, severe headaches and bouts of nausea and vomiting. After weeks of testing, Burrowes was diagnosed with the disorder and has been going to a children's hospital for treatment. She has been forced to miss school and is continuing to deal with fatigue and dizziness. The family is seeking the help of a doctor in Michigan who has successfully treated other peop…
Bergenfield Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support Bergenfield Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support
Bergenfield Mom Going Through 'Worst Nightmare' Sees Surge Of Support North Jersey mom Rose Conforti's life has been completely upended since her daughter, Olivia, suffered a cardiac arrest in May, which caused severe brain damage. Conforti, who lives in Bergenfield, said Olivia is alive but remains in "fragile" condition. "This is a nightmare situation I’m living every single day as my sweet Olivia hangs onto life in an acute care hospital," Conforti said. "Please pray for me and Olivia during this most difficult time." A fundraiser has been set up to assist Conforti with medical expenses and any additional expenses she may incur. As of Wednesday, July 19, …
Submerged Car Leaves Delivery Driver Stranded Submerged Car Leaves Delivery Driver Stranded
Submerged Car Leaves Delivery Driver Stranded Michael Torto, a Newark resident, was leaving the gym when he discovered his Honda Accord was halfway immersed in water. For Torto, who works as a delivery driver for Doordash and Uber Eats when he's not attending school at Harvard University, his car is his "prized possession" and necessary for his income.  A fundraiser has been created to assist Torto with repairing the car. As of Friday, July 14, almost $3,000 has been raised. Torto said the car repairs will cost almost $5,000. "I saved up money for about two years in order to put payment down for my car," Torto said. " Now that I …
NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone
NJ Police Officer Fighting Cancer Won't Do It Alone Mark Steinberg, recently sworn in as a police officer in Verona, is in for the fight of his life. And the community is rallying to his side. Steinberg, 23, was recently was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. A fundraiser has been created by the Verona PBA to assist him and his family with any expenses. As of Tuesday, July 11, more than $73,500 has been raised. Steinberg went to the emergency room in May suffering from mild back pain and a fever. CT scans revealed multiple masses in his abdominal cavity and he was eventually diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors and …