Over $30K Raised For Freehold Teen Battling Rare Cancer 

Freehold NJ

04 May, 2022

2:34 PM

Description

FREEHOLD, NJ — An 18-year-old Freehold Township High School senior was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, on April 12. Michael Mancusi's journey with cancer began following the discovery of an irregular bump on his upper thigh, his girlfriend Macie Martin writes on this GoFundMe page. "Never did he imagine that this small growth would alter his life," Martin said. Rhabdomyosarcoma affects nearly 500 Americans each year and is typically found in children and young adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Mancusi will begin nine weeks of chemotherapy on May 5. If everything goes as planned, he will need surgery to remove the tumor. Following that, fifteen weeks of chemotherapy and radiation therapy will be administered, Martin said. "Michael and his family will be facing a long hard battle for the next six months. Please consider assisting Michael and his family in this fight to defeat Rhabdomyosarcoma," Martin said. According to the GoFundMe page, Mancusi plans to attend a trade school, where he will work toward certification to become a licensed electrician. "He is an exceptional brother, son, boyfriend, and friend and always gives a shoulder to lean on when anyone needs it," Martin said. More than $33,000 has already been raised for the Mancusi family via the GoFundMe created by Martin. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit the fundraising page here. Thank you for reading! Have a news tip, correction or comment? Email [email protected]. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter here.