Friends Rally For Riverhead Teacher Diagnosed With Brain Cancer

RIVERHEAD, NY — Family and friends are coming together to help a teacher in the Riverhead school district recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.

A GoFundMe created by Kristina Brown, "Tara's Fight Fund," has raised $15,423 of its $75,000 goal so far.

Tara Malanga, Brown wrote, was recently diagnosed with a Grade IV brain tumor. "Tara and Chris work every day teaching in Riverhead — unwavering supporters of their schools, teams and their community. With Ella preparing for her freshman season of lacrosse at New Paltz and Ava a sophomore at Riverhead High School, suddenly, everything has changed."

The news has left all who love Tara "in disbelief of how this could happen — and why? This threat is real and leaves no time to waste by sitting in shock. As people who know and love Tara we know that the fight against cancer, aggressive cancer, takes heart, prayers and resources to win," she said. "Those who love her need to make sure that Tara and her family have the resources to take advantage of every option without hesitation, without deciding if it will impact their ability to pay their bills. That's what we as friends can do. When someone we love is faced with the fight of their life we say, 'What can I do?' Let's give Tara, Chris, Ella and Ava the confidence that they are not fighting this alone. That they can face each day knowing that they are in control and stay on the offensive. That means having the ability to get second opinions, find alternative treatments to build her immune system and not stress as much about the other day to day worries. That's what we can do. . . The time is now! Team Tara !"

To donate, click here.

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