Our Hero

As many of you may know by now our mother "JLO" passed away early Sunday afternoon at home.

After an almost 4 year battle with Ovarian Cancer my mother while surrounded by her family, peacefully drifted away to her much deserved rest.

Those of us who knew mom will miss hear dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that she always lived her life to the fullest and never took a day for granted.

Thank you all for your love, support, prayers and good thoughts over the past weeks, months and years. While we are all devestaed with our loss please know that TEAM JLO will continue the fight against Ovarian Cancer to honor the memory of an increadible woman.


Best,
Mom's Boys

Mom's Latest Update

Mom was admitted to Rahway hospital last Wednesday due to dehydration and other issues which we thought were associated with her chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately, today we found out that mom's cancer has spread to her colon. Her doctors are working to find the best solution for her at this point. Right now it looks like she will undergo a procedure later this week to place a stint within the colon to prevent it from being blocked completely by the tumor. This will no doubt be followed by a new regiment of chemotherapy.

While this news has hit us all very hard please know that mom is strong and we are all standing by her side. Your continued prayers and good thoughts are much appreciated.

Thank You,
Mom's Boys

Round One- Done!!!!

Mom had her first treatment today with her two new chemos. She did great and is really fighting against some pretty crappy lingering side effects from the previous chemo. Daily she's been dealing with more or less constant aching in her side where the disease has apparently spread. Her docs tell us that these two chemos will stop the pain and stop the growth of any new tumors.

Great Job Today Mom!!!!!!!


Love
Your Boys

Avastan and Cytoxan it is

Mom went to the doc today and after reviewing her reports from the last scan he's put her Avastan and Cytoxan. With the combination of these two her doctor hopes to stop and further growth of any tumors.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers and I'll keep we'll be sure to keep you updated

Thanks,
Mom's Boys

Mom Update!!!!!

It's been about five months since our last post on the blog. For the first part of the last few months mom's fight was going in the right direction. We came through our 3^rd Annual Teal Night For Life at the Olive Branch again with almost $3000.00 in donations. A great time was had by all. In April we took part again in the Sandy Sprint 5K with the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. After the race we had a great picnic in Fairmount Park with family and friends. One highlight of the race was mom’s grandson Scott Ricci finishing first in his age group and 5^th over all in the race. We’re all very proud of him.

Not too long after the 5k mom had received news that although her CA-125 was in the safe zone her CAT scan has produced some crappy results with growths on lymph nodes and her liver. For the past few months she has been fighting strong with a new chemo called Taxotere. It slowed her down a bit at times, but she kept pushing and had a nice vacation in LBI just a few weeks ago. One funny story to come out of this however is that on the day she got the bad news she look at my father and said...."I am going out right now and getting a lap top...I am done using facebook on my phone.........I deserve it" The very next day she went out and bought a new laptop. Since then she's been surfing the Facebook highway day in and day out.

Tonight we found out that the last three treatments have not been successful and the cancer has actually grown. It is still on her lymph nodes, has grown a bit on her liver, and is also now presenting itself in a new place within her abdomen. As you would expect she is quite upset, but her resolve to fight this damn disease has not wavered and she'll continue to fight fight fight fight.

Mom, Dad and Nanny are going to see her doctor Monday morning to discuss a new plan of attack. We will be sure to keep you updated on her progress and hope to have some good news over the next few months. If there is one thing we know about our mother she is stubborn. She gets something in her mind and it just has to be that way. That being said we know she’ll overcome this hurdle. She’ll do what it takes to get the job done and then she’ll sit down and have a tall glass of wine to celebrate.

Please continue to keep our mom in your prayers.

Thanks,

Gil, Chuck & Andy

The 3RD Annual TEAL NIGHT FOR LIFE

The Olive Branch Bar and Resturant of New Brunswick NJ will be hosting our 3rd Annual Teal Night For Life on Friday April 17, 2009. The doors for the event will open at happy hour and go on through the night.

Last year we raised just around $3000.00. Let's see if we can do it again.

CLICK HERE for more information the Olive Branch.

If you want more info on our TEAL NIGHT FOR LIFE Call Chuck at 732-236-0681 or email him at charleswlopez@comcast.net.

We'll be posting update on the event as they become available. We hope to see you there.

We're Baaaaaaack!

Happy 2009 everyone! Team JLO is back for another year of family, friends, and fundraising! Many of you know that towards the end of 2008, Mom beat another round of cancer yet again. So I believe the official tally stands at MOM - 4, CANCER - O. She continues her chemo treatments on a monthly basis until the doc feels she can take some time to truly heal for a while.

This year, TEAM JLO is bringing back the SUPER BOWL POOL. There will be several opportunities as several different pools will be circulating NJ. One in North Jersey with Andrew, another in Central with Chuck and Dad, and another in Central/South with Gil and Tina. It will be $5 per box. Half of the proceeds will go directly to the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, while the other half gets split among the winners! Here is the payout plan:

1st Quarter - $25

2nd Quarter - $50

3rd Quarter - $75

4th Quarter - $100

If you win multiple quarters, you'll win those designated prize amounts. 

Additional 2009 events will include oldies but goodies:

> The 4th Annual TEAM JLO Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament - Date/Location is TBA

> The 4th Annual TEAM JLO Teal Night for Life Hosted by the Olive Branch Bar and Restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ - Date is TBA

> The 5th Annual Sandy Rollman 5K Run/Walk - April 25, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA.

To join TEAM JLO and/or to donate to our cause, please click here.

Check back often for updates on the Poker Tournament, Teal Night, and other TEAM JLO events. Or you can subscribe to all postings by following the link on the top left.

Sandy Rollman 5K 2008

Team JLO wants to thank all of you who have supported us this year. Whether you donated money, came out to one of our events or ran with us yesterday we appreciate your effort. This year we raised over $7000.00 with some outstanding matching donations. Andy and I are already thinking that next year's goal will be atleast $10,000.00. But we have a little while to rest before we get going on next years campaign.

I want to thank Buddy and Emily for spearheading the great post race picnic. With all of our chefs on hand we had a wild variety of food and as always ....JARTS..

As I said we are looking to the future already and we're looking to expand the reach of TEAM JLO.

Some ideas we're just talking about at this point for next year are

Super Bowl and NCAA B-BALL Pools
Collecting money on street corners and foodstore fronts
2 Poker Tournaments
Auctions
Holding Awareness events at local fairs/sporting events and alike

These are just a few ideas we're kicking around. We're also looking to do more work with the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation out of Central NJ.

Thank you all again for your love and support. Stay in touch and keep checking our blog for more updates and posts.

Best,
TEAM JLO

TAKE 2

Mom had her 2nd Round of Chemo today. She had been doing so great aside from being a bit tired. Her blood counts were all great today. She has also started to watch her granddaughter Elie a few afternoons a week. Elie loves going to Mom Mom and Pop Pops.

You can also check out Elie's Blog at www.elielopez.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS DAD!!!!!!!

We just wanted to congratulate Dad on being named Sales Associate of the Month of March for Prudential Real Estate. We're so proud of you and we kno how hard you have been working.

Love,
Your Three Boys

Just A Little More Thanks!!!!

I just want to thank a few people one more time for their generous contributions in not just money, but support of our cause and of our family. We will be listing more names of contirbutors and supporters in the very near future. If I left a name off please notify me ASAP.

If you take a look at our donation site we're at 177% of our goal. We still have two outstanding cooperate matching checks due in totaling another $900.00.

Thank You.

Lorraine Schoales
Carol Schultz
Leslie and Wayne Molchan also MKM Eng
Ed and Debbie Koznowicz and New Pak
Charles and Shelly Thielman
Ryan and Jamie
Doug Molchan
Kenny and Suzie Mackiewicz
Buddy and Emily
The Orcutt Family
Brian and Coleen Ross
Doug Schneider and Harriet Sideris
The Olive Branch
Lou and Kathy Esposito
Ed and Betty Koznowicz
The Teachers at Ben Franklin and Lincoln Elementary Schools
The Teachers at Sparta High School
Boolilly

A HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!!!!

The 2nd Annual Teal Night For Life held last night at the Olive Branch Bar and Restaurant in New Brunswick NJ was an enormous success. I conjunction with the TEAM JLO 2nd Annual Poker Tournament held at New Pak Inc we were able to raise over $3000.00. Final totals are still coming in as we are still receiving donations at this time for the event. When we have a grand total we'll be sure to post it up.

A great time was had by all as Boolily performed and excellent show and as my folks danced the night away. I would like to thank all of you who came from near and far to support our cause. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Doug Schneider for hosting the event yet again. Without your support this would not be possible. We'll see you all at the 5K on the 26th

2ND ANNUAL TEAL NIGHT FOR LIFE AT THE OB

I hope to see you all there this Saturday at the 2nd Annual Teal Night For Life. If you have any questions contact Chuck at 732-738-7482

Thanks,

Chuck

Doxil It Is

Mom started her new chemo yesterday. This time she's taking a chemo called Doxil. It sounds like it's going to be a bumpy ride with this one, but mom seems up for the fight. Apparently when innitally administering Doxil the nurses watch you closely in the first few minutes for breating difficulty. Mom said "How do you know if I am having trouble" and the nurse replied "You'll stop breathing and your face turns red" At least they are subtle about it. Anyhow, mom made out pretty good yesterday. She was a bit tired last night we had to give her a shot of Elie and Kemo (our dog) which always cheers her up.
On another note, dad had to leave town this morning for Florida first thing because his father passed away yesterday. It seems like the $#%! always hit's the fan at the worst times. Dad's doing ok, but we know he wants to be here with mom. He'll be back by Sunday so until then we'll hold the fort down.

Keep mom and dad in your prayers.

Chuck

We're #1 In Fund Raising

Just FYI at this point TEAM JLO has raised more money than any other team. CLICK HERE to check out the race page. Register today or make a dontation.

Chuck Lopez

BACK TO WORK

We received word today that as we knew mom's cancer levels were rising although slower than before which is great. Unfortunately it seems it's gone up enough now where Dr. Canavan wants to put mom back on Chemotherapy. Mom's doc told her to come in to the office this coming Monday to talk about what he wants to do, but she insisted I WANT TO START TREATMENT...NOT TALK. So once again she's charging towards her cancer and is ready to take it on. We spent some time this evening at mom's with Kemo her grand dog and of course Elie our daughter. All she kept talking about was how she has to beat it again for her Noah and Scott and Meghan and now Miss Elie. I know she'll do great as she is always a fierce fighter. It's going to be a bumpy road, but there is no one stronger to walk down it than my mom. Please keep her in your prayers and we'll keep you all posted.

Chuck Lopez

"A Silver Lining"

This whole experience is truly a mess. Since day 1 when Mom was diagnosed, it's nothing but bad news piled on top of bad news. A few months ago we thought we received even more bad news when Mom's numbers were going up again. If the tests were accurate then this would mean that she'd have cancer for a fourth time which would likely mean more chemo.

Thankfully, we've gotten what some might consider "good news". Mom had a CAT Scan recently that showed up negative. Dr. Canavan said that there was no visible signs of anything growing or developing on or near any major organs. This means a few things. First it means that if her original CA125 test was accurate, whatever cancer is growing is so small and insignificant that the Doc really sees no need to worry right away. Secondly it means that she can stay off Chemo, at least for another couple of weeks which is a VERY good thing. Her body will continue to recover and get stronger with each day. In short, among all this bad news, her recent CAT Scan was definitely good news...a silver lining in the midst of chaos.

Mom continues to battle like the "bad ass" she is and will be ready to give cancer another beat down if necessary. We continue to be proud of her as I am sure you all are. Make sure you read the posts down below about our two major fundraising events... the Poker Tournament, and the Teal Night for Life both on April 5th. She would greatly appreciate you coming out if you are free that day. Hope to see you there!!

-Andy Lopez

2nd Annual Teal Night For Life

After a long week at work come party with

TEAM JLO

At the 2nd^st Annual

“Teal Night for Life”

Where: The Olive Branch Bar and Restaurant, New Brunswick NJ

When: Saturday April 5, 2008 @ 8PM

There will be a $ 10.00 donation at the door

Featured will be:

LIVE MUSIC

Drink Specials, Great Food

Special Teal Shots

&

GREAT PRIZES!!!!!!

For more information on the event call Chuck Lopez at 732-738-7482

The Olive Branch is located at 37 Bartlett Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901

TEAM JLO POKER TOURNAMENT

Shuffle Up and Deal to Fight Ovarian Cancer with

TEAM JLO

At the 2^nd Annual

TEAM JLO

POKER TOURNAMENT

Where: New Pak Inc, 3614 Kennedy Rd South Plainfield, NJ 07080

When: Saturday April 5, 2008 @ 1PM

Buy In: ($25.00 to pot and $25.00 donation) No Rebuys

What is TEAM JLO??

Team JLO is a 5K race team created to fundraise and spread awareness for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Our team is named in honor of the strongest woman we know, Janice Lopez AKA JLO

TEAM JLO is now preparing for the April 26^th Sandy Rollaman 5K.

For more information the event

contact Chuck Lopez at 732-738-7482

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Friends and Family

I just want to thank you all for your support throughout the fire commissioner election. Although the final result was not in our favor, we had a tremendously strong showing. In fact we brought a record turn out.

This has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life and it would not have been possible if it were not for some very special people. I hope I don’t leave anyone out, but I want to thank Tanya Hamlett, Rudy Morales, Howie and Carmella Schaneman and Chuck Collins from St. John’s EMS for hitting the streets with me. I want to thank my closest friends, my entire family, all of my aunts and uncles, my mother-in-law, my grandmother, my brothers and epically my mother Janice and my father Gil who stood by me the entire time. Finally, I want to thank my wonderful wife Lauren and my beautiful daughter Elie who gave me the freedom to chase down this challenge and to take a risk that very few ever do. They continue to be my motivation and my greatest supporters.

While some of you may not be happy with the results, please find solace in the fact that it's not the outcome that is important, but it's how hard you worked to get there. At the end of the day I can rest easy and say we ran a clean, positive, tough campaign. I put my heart into it and got out much more than I gave. For that I am thankful most.

Thank You All,

Chuck Lopez

Former Candidate for Fords Fire Commissioner