Cranford Teens Continue Efforts To 'Flush Away Cancer'

Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2010, Cranford High School student Michael Wielgus and a close-knit group of friends have participated in the American Cancer Society's annual Relay For Life fundraising event. Like most groups who participate in the Relay, the group has held a number of different events to raise money for the cause. But this year, instead of simply asking for donations, the teens decided on a different approach. Their goal is to flush away cancer and their strategy is turning heads all over town.

While some fundraising groups host bake sales or sell T-shirts and bracelets, Michael and about 15 friends are spreading cancer awareness and raising money through the use of bright, purple toilets. Decorated in the official color of Relay for Life, the toilets are dropped off on residents' front lawns with a sign that lists the email address of the group.

If residents want the toilet removed, they must make a $15 donation to Michael's Relay group, known as Wiggy's Walkers - named as a tribute to the 15-year-old who goes by the nickname Wiggy. For a slightly higher fee of $20, the resident in possession of the toilet can have the purple object moved to someone else's front lawn. If they decide they don't want the toilet returned to them, they can buy "toilet insurance" for $25. All of the funds are being donated to the American Cancer Society. The students have already raised hundreds of dollars through the effort.

According to Michael - a two-time cancer survivor who is now cancer-free - the toilets were donated by a local plumbing supplier.

"One day, we all just got together and painted them purple for Relay," said Michael, who is the co-captain of the Wiggy's Walkers along with fellow Cranford High School student Maggie Patella.

Michael's mother, Lisa Wielgus, said she and her family are grateful for the support they've received from the community's since her son's brain cancer diagnosis in 2010. Wearing a charm around her neck that says "hope," the petite, blonde said neighbors have been very receptive to the teens' efforts to "Flush Away Cancer."

"I think it's amazing the amount of support my son has received from such young kids. They really are true friends," Lisa said.

A mother of two children - her 12-year-old daughter Lindsay is also a member of Wiggy's Walkers - Lisa vividly recalls the day Michael was diagnosed with a germ-cell brain tumor on Aug. 30, 2010. Her first reaction was shock. After that, she began focusing on getting Michael back and forth to six rounds of chemotherapy treatments and seeing him through two brain surgeries. In July of 2011, he was diagnosed with a second brain tumor which was treated with three more rounds of chemotherapy, followed by two intense rounds of high-dose chemotherapy.

Michael was on vacation in Busch Gardens, Va., when he experienced a severe headache following a roller coaster ride. When the headache continued hours later, they took him to the emergency room, thinking it was a concussion from the ride. Scans of Michael's brain, however, revealed something more serious. A mass that was later determined to be cancer. He underwent surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital and instead of starting eighth grade, he started chemo.

The vibrant, well-spoken teen said he became involved in Relay for Life shortly after being diagnosed.

"It means a lot to help so many people who are like me, and I know so many people who cancer has affected, and just knowing that I'm helping them out and every penny that we raise, it just really does mean a lot to me," Michael said.

Ever since being diagnosed, Lisa said the community has rallied around Michael and her family. There have been a number of fundraisers to help the family with medical expenses and neighbors have given tremendous amounts of moral support while Michael endured treatment and recovery.

"The Cranford community was so supportive from the first day," she said.

And through it all, Lisa said she has never once heard her son ask "why me?" or stop fighting to beat the disease. In fact, she said his strength and courage have inspired those close to him.

"He has carried many people through many days," Lisa said, adding that despite her son's illness, the young soccer player still pushed himself to attend sporting events to support his teammates and pose for team pictures.

Lisa Patella, a close family friend, said the students who make up Wiggy's Walkers have learned a lot through their involvement and by being friends with Michael throughout the ordeal.

"It put a face to it for them," she said.

In March, Michael was a guest speaker at the Union County Magnet School's Relay for Life. His mother said his illness has also managed to bring his group of friends closer and as his condition improves, the family is hoping to show their appreciation to the community. One of the ways in which they plan to do this is through Wiggy's Walkers and their Flush Away Cancer initiative.

"Now that he's well," Lisa said, "we're gonna pay it forward to other people."

Meet Wiggy's Walkers: Michael "Wiggy" Wielgus, co-captain, 15; Lindsay Wielgus, 12; Samantha Ronan, 15; Maggie Patella, co-captain, 15; Kaitlyn Weber, 14; Jennifer Schneider, 15; Alexandra Heyburn, 15; Maggie Roman, 12; Alannah Clark, 11; Clare Monte, 11; Kelly McAuliffe, 12; Victoria D'Uva, 15; Zach Hoffman, 14 and Colin Scanlon, 15.

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