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Community offers help to Cangelosi family
(by Karen F. Mrnarevic - October 03, 2007)
Mike Cangelosi takes pride in working with his hands.
The
Township of
Washington native had always been physically active, both professionally and recreationally. Now a Garfield resident, Mike and his wife, Mary, were active members of their community and owners of their own company, Carney Tree Service in
Wyckoff .
Mike had just become a New Jersey State Certified Crane Operator, a certification he worked hard to acquire, and one that would help him expand his business, when his life changed forever.
On May 7, 2006, Mike Cangelosi was preparing for a fishing trip, filling the tires of a new fishing cart, when a freak explosion sent pieces of the rim rocketing into his hand, severing ligaments and muscles and shattering bones.
Cangelosi was rushed to
Hackensack
Hospital , where a hand surgeon, Dr. Gregory Rauscher, was barely able to salvage his mangled hand. Another doctor present at the time Cangelosi was admitted said that the metal particles hit his hand with a force similar to that of a hand grenade.
If Rauscher had not been on duty at the time of the accident, Cangelosi’s hand would likely have been amputated. Cangelosi himself did not know until he came out of surgery that his hand had indeed been saved. “I opened my eyes and saw that my hand was still there,” he said. “It was an amazing feeling.”
In the days and months that followed the accident, Cangelosi underwent numerous surgeries, including one to pin his thumb to his hand. Finally, in January 2007, doctors determined that the muscles in Cangelosi’s hand had atrophied and his ligaments and nerve endings were all but destroyed. No further operations were recommended. From that point on, the only thing Cangelosi could do was focus pain-management therapy and work towards regaining some use of his hand.
Unable to work and desperate for money to cover his exorbitant medical insurance co-payments, Cangelosi was forced to sell his business at below market value. As a result, his wife Mary, who had worked with him at Carney Tree Service, was forced to find new employment. With her husband on permanent disability, Mary is now the sole provider for the family.
Following his last surgery, Cangelosi was diagnosed with RSD, Reflex Sypathetic Distrophy, a chronic neurological condition that causes sympathetic nerve responses, triggering intense pain and even pathological changes in the sufferer’s skin and bones. In the wake of this new hurtle, Cangelosi says he takes things one day at a time, focusing on the future and the positive things in his life, the support of family and friends, and the prospect of getting back to life as usual.
A benefit dinner-dance will be sponsored by the “Friends of Mike & Mary” on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Westwood Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. Mike and Mary Cangelosi were pleasantly surprised by news of the upcoming event, which was organized by the Cangelosis’ family and friends to help cover the costs of insurance co-payments.
The Cangelosis say they are “awed by the outpouring of support” they have received, although it will take them time to get used to the idea of accepting help. Having always been the kind of people to offer their assistance to others in need, the role reversal has provided challenges for the Cangelosis. However, their gratitude is undeniable.
“We have come to see how loved we are,” Mary said, “It is truly humbling.”
The benefit dinner includes a hot buffet and dancing with DJ Willie Wilson. The cost of a ticket is $50. There will also be 50/50 raffle tickets sold before dinner, and a “tricky tray” and raffle will be held at the event. To purchase tickets contact Laurieanne Marcil at 201-694-5889 or Ann Cangelosi at 201-664-5131. Donations may also be made: “Special sponsor” level is $100, “Friend” is $50 and “Boosters” are $25. Checks can be made out to: Westwood Elks P.E.R.’s and sent to 254 Calvin Street, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.
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