NJ Girl’s Cancer Diagnosis Rallies Bloomfield, Montclair Communities

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was February when Maya Ciprian was sent home from her kindergarten class at Brookdale Elementary School in Bloomfield. What followed was a chain of events that every parent fears: a childhood battle with cancer.

After her spell of dizziness and vomiting on Feb. 21, Ciprian arrived home and suffered a seizure that sent her to the hospital. After a series of medical tests, her parents, Tiffany and Claudio, received the devastating news – a biopsy revealed a high-grade, aggressive brain tumor.

Thankfully, Ciprian was able to have most of the tumor resected. But a long road of treatment still lies ahead, including chemo and radiation.

And like many other New Jersey families who find themselves suddenly struggling with severe medical bills, the Ciprians deserve a helping hand from their neighbors, their friends say.

Devon Marie, the lead singer of 80’s cover band Rubix Kube, is one of many family friends that have been pitching in to support the Ciprians as their daughter receives treatment.

“The news was beyond heart wrenching, and I wanted to do something special for this beautiful family, so I looked to what I know best,” Marie said.

Music.

A benefit concert for the resilient 6-year-old will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at Just Jake’s, 30 Park Street in Montclair.

Headliners and guest stars at the concert include social media favorites Adam and the Metal Hawks, Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame and Rubix Kube.

Door prizes will include signed memorabilia, guitars, drumsticks, show tickets and other items. Tickets are $30 at the door and kids 6 and under are free and can be pre-purchased at https://tinyurl.com/5n75jutv. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Ciprian family, organizers said.

“Through music, we are gathering the community, friends and family to help raise critical funds for Maya’s recovery,” Marie said. “We are rockin’ for Maya.”

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