Team Jana Surpasses Goal in Honor of Alumnus
Friends of Jana Piccola, a courageous 2004 Huntington High School graduate, have surpassed their goal of raising $25,000 for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund as a tribute to her as she fiercely battles cancer for the second time in seven years.
Ms. Piccola’s boyfriend, Sean Pawelec formed Team Jana to raise monies to find a cure for cancer so that others can avoid suffering with such a terrible disease. As of last week $30,897 had been raised.
A senior at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, Ms. Piccola continues to struggle with more rounds of chemotherapy waiting. Her family and medical team are still hoping for a bone marrow transplant at a future date. The Huntington alum is finishing her degree requirements at home after becoming ill last December. She is an A-student who has consistently earned a spot on the dean’s list at college.
Team Jana is asking friends and supporters to log onto a website and continue to contribute monetarily. The site contains information about the cause. It can be found at http://www.active.com/donate/shecklerfamily/teamjana.
Comments posted on the webpage by contributors reveal the deep level of love and respect that family, friends and former teachers feel for Ms. Piccola. “Jana is truly an amazing person,” wrote Maureen Fulton. “We are so impressed with Jana’s courageous battle with cancer. We can all learn a lot from Jana.”
Huntington High School teacher John Pagano was one of the first contributors to the cause. “Jana, I never had the pleasure of having you as a student, but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about you,” he wrote. “Stay strong!!!”
Debbora Mellon, another Huntington teacher wrote, “Jana was a great government student of mine. My thoughts are with her and her family.” Retired Huntington teacher Leslie Mitek was also moved to contribute and write. “Jana – You are a very special person, one I will always remember from our days at HHS. May your future be as bright as you are. Keep fighting.”
James Graber, still another Huntington teacher, contributed to Team Jana and wrote, “Jana, I’m so sorry to hear you have to go through this again, but I know your strength and the support of friends and family will get you through this once more.”
Dozens of other touching comments are posted from friends and family, showing the tight circle of love that has formed around Ms. Piccola during her fight to regain good health.
At Huntington High School, Ms. Piccola participated in the athletic and club programs, earned very good grades and was extremely popular among teachers and fellow students. Many of the friendships she forged then have continued to this day.
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