Nurse Fighting Cancer Still Needs Help

Hudson Maxim school nurse Nancy Pascarella has been fighting cancer for months and has been buoyed by the support of the greater Hopatcong community. While she has finished with her chemotherapy regimen, Pascarella is now embarking on radiation treatments in preparation for an operation.

Support has poured in for Pascarella, and has come in the form of cards, emails, kind words, meals, donations, moral support and a Nancy Needs Us Spaghetti Dinner Dance on May 11. Helping Pascarella seemed natural to anyone asked.

“Each September I take my kindergarten students on a tour of our school building. We are always sure to stop at the nurse's office so the children can meet the very important person who will be taking care of them if or when they get sick,” kindergarten teacher Yvonne Mortello said. 

“Nancy always takes a moment to stop and pose for our VIP picture board and talk with the children. The kids are comforted knowing that Mrs. Pascarella will be there for them when and if they get sick.  Now it's our turn to be there for Nancy now that she is sick.” 

This September, Mortello’s class won’t get their moment with Pascarella, but with any luck, they will get their tour before the fall ends.

“She plans to return to Hudson Maxim School sometime in the fall.  Please continue to spread our message of hope,” Hudson Maxim colleague Cynthia Parello said. 

According to Parello, Pascarella was in need of “immediate financial support” and Culver said that the GiveForward donation site was still open.

“We are hoping that people will continue to contribute to her website throughout the summer,” Culver said.