It has been a long time since an update was posted, and there is now a lot of news Adina and Matt have decided to make public to their families - in Blue, immediate and extended, and those they chose and who have run to their side within her Island Trees community, Long Island Arrows Hockey community, local churches and its leaders and congregations, and so many more.

First diagnosed in 2019 at 35 years old, Adina was considered curative, and so she completed rigorous rounds of surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and radiation. The cancer was aggressive, but if there's one thing we know about Adina is SHE IS TOO.

In November of 2020, she was considered in remission and was getting ready to explore a life after cancer. Unfortunately, during her routine scans less than one month later, it was determined that her cancer had not only returned, but had spread to her liver. It was at that point that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is incurable, and meant she would be on treatment for the rest of her life. 

Fast forward two and a half years, Adina has now been through 8 failed treatment methods and her liver is failing. She has already been hospitalized three times this year, this most recent stay proving to be her most dangerous, as she had full-blown Sepsis and Pneumonia. She also recently had a drain inserted so she would be able to remove the fluid from her abdomen at home with the help of a nurse or her husband, Matt. 

Luckily at the moment she is still able to receive chemo, but it is now at a 50% reduction because it is all her liver can handle. Upcoming scans will determine if continuing treatment is proving worthwhile, or if coming off and receiving hospice care while trying to live out the remainder of her life as comfortably as possible is better for her and all those around her.

Adina has spent the last 4 years speaking at various breast cancer events, pushing for more funding of stage 4 cancer through METAvivor, fighting to raise awareness of this deadly disease, sharing her story on local and national news channels and supporting other young women with cancer who feel hopeless in the face of a terrifying diagnosis.  

Her husband, Matt, has been on the job for 11 and a half years. He is a stand up guy in both his personal and professional life. Well liked by everyone who meets him, he is the type of guy who would never ask for help, but is always the first one to lend a hand when needed.

A huge supporter of law enforcement, Adina has been purchased and delivered food, drinks, medical supplies and cards made by her children to precincts all over Long Island, as well as all 5 boroughs, for over 10 years. During the summer of 2020, she started a fundraiser on social media which raised over $4,000 and she hand delivered much needed items to over 20 local precincts. 

She has always had our backs, and now it’s time for us to have hers.

All money raised will go directly to the family to assist with increasing medical bills as well as the costs associated with end-of-life care and final arrangements. This will allow them to rest their heads easier knowing they can keep their focus on the most important thing, supporting Adina through whatever time is left in the fight of her life.  

This family would never ask for this kind of assistance, so I am proud to do so on their behalf.