Brick Graduate Battling Colon Cancer Needs Your Help

BRICK, NJ — Friends and family of a Brick Township man who's battling cancer are seeking help as his medical bills begin to mount.

Chuck Bontorno, 50, a 1985 graduate of Brick Township High School, was diagnosed in February with colon cancer, and since then has undergone two operations and four additional hospitalizations, his stepmother, Ellen, wrote in a GoFundme campaign post. The illness has forced him to go on disability, and his wife, Connie, has had to stop working to care for him and for their 8-year-old granddaughter, who they are raising.

"He was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in February," Connie said. The first surgery to remove the cancer wasn't successful and he needed a second surgery, and it has been a nonstop battle against infections and other issues, she said. The most recent round of tests showed cancerous cells in his lymph nodes, so he needs additional chemotherapy.

As a result of the cancer he has lost 112 pounds and had a significant portion of his colon removed, but can't undergo the additional chemotherapy until he gains back some weight and infections he is fighting are under control, Connie said.

"It was diagnosed very late," Connie said.

Ellen Bontorno said that while her stepson has Medicaid, it does not cover all of the costs of his doctors' appointments, medicine and supplies.

"The family really needs help to be able to get him back and forth to appointments," as well as to help them pay the expenses," she said.

"Chuck has always been the guy who would give the shirt off his back," longtime friend Diane wrote. "He and his loving wife are in desperate need."

To help the family with a donation to the GoFundme campaign, click here.

Photo provided by Connie Bontorno