Bloomfield Unites Behind Boy Undergoing Cancer Treatment

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield community has rallied in support of a local boy who is “beginning his fight against T-cell leukemia,” donating more than $58,000 to a fundraiser for his family.

Bloomfield resident Justin Corino will celebrate his third birthday in October. He’s a loving big brother to his sibling and a huge Disney fan.

He’s also beginning his treatment for cancer – a “terrifying” experience for his parents, according to a GoFundMe campaign established in his name.

The fundraiser, titled “Justin's Fight Against Leukemia,” has raised more than $58,000 from over 650 donors as of Thursday. Learn more or make a donation here.

“Due to medical advances, we have high expectations that Justin will make a full recovery and go on to live a healthy and happy life,” the campaign states. “However, it is a terrifying and all-consuming experience to have your child diagnosed with cancer, and he will need to undergo extensive treatments.”

“By donating, you can help relieve some of the financial pressure they will face during this fight,” the campaign continues. “Donations will go towards medical bills and all that comes with caring for a sick child.”

The family of Justin Corino isn’t the only one that has found itself turning to crowdfunding to help pay for crucial health care. According to GoFundMe, it hosts more than 250,000 medical campaigns every year. Those fundraisers take in more than $650 million in donations.

In New Jersey, people seeking help for medical bills on GoFundMe included teachers, police officers and decorated military veterans. Many have found themselves in need of financial help despite having health insurance, they say.

• See related article: Meet 10 NJ Families Who Had To Crowdfund For Health Care
• See related article: These 9 NJ Families Crowdfunded To Pay Their Medical Bills

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Bloomfield Facebook page.