Community Corner

Wantagh Teen Dies From Rare Virus; Fundraiser Tops $115,000

Jack Sheehan was a 19-year-old who was first diagnosed with mononucleosis.

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A fundraiser has raised more than $115,000 for a Wantagh family, whose son died of a rare illness.
A fundraiser has raised more than $115,000 for a Wantagh family, whose son died of a rare illness. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

WANTAGH, NY — A Wantagh family is mourning the death of their 19-year-old son.

Jack Sheehan was diagnosed with mononucleosis, but ended up with a rare virus that shut down his brain function, according to the GoFundMe posting.

Since the online fundraiser started last week to defray costs, more than $116,000 has been donated.

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"No parent should ever have to experience what Kate and Jimmy have gone through," wrote Salvatore Sciame, organizer of the GoFundMe.

Jack had a younger brother and sister. Jack's father Jimmy grew up in Elmont.

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"The family now has huge medical costs, funeral costs and loss of wages while being at their son's bedside," Sciame wrote.

Patch is a promotional partner of GoFundMe.

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