When a very rare disease appears in several people within a family, people often think of genetic factors. However, it is surprising to find others outside that family also suffering from the same condition, with a common link being a high school.
Al Lupiano, who previously lived in New Jersey, USA, discovered this shocking connection after several members of his own family were diagnosed with the same rare brain tumor.
Al is an environmental scientist and was diagnosed with this disease 20 years ago, and he still suffers from certain aftereffects. However, some family members have been affected even more severely.
Mr. Al Lupiano. (Photo: CBS2).
Al Lupiano told CBS2: “Last August, my sister was diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. Unfortunately, it was a stage 4 glioblastoma. Two hours later, I received news that my wife was also diagnosed with the same disease.”
This is an extremely rare condition, so Al was surprised and began to investigate. To his astonishment, he found 65 people suffering from this rare disease, all of whom had either attended or worked at Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Al recounted: “I started researching, and three people became five, five became seven, and then seven became fifteen.”
Unfortunately, Al’s sister passed away a month prior, and afterward, he posted on social media urging alumni of the school to share their health statuses or to inquire whether anyone who had studied or worked there had similar illnesses.
At least 65 rare cases are linked to the same school. (Photo: CBS2).
Al stated: “What I find alarming is that there is actually only one link between the environment and this disease, which is ionizing radiation. It is not due to polluted water or air. It is not something in the soil. And it is not due to human bad habits.”
John McCormick, the mayor of Woodbridge, has now requested health and environmental agencies to investigate the matter. He noted that the school was built in 1967 on land that was previously just forest and had not been used for anything else, suggesting that there is likely no toxic substance underground. This reality adds to the confusion surrounding the situation.
An investigation is currently underway at Colonia High School. (Photo: Mirror).
Al is currently collaborating with school administrators to investigate further, and the school has stated that it will disclose any findings, as the health and safety of students are of utmost importance.
