Todd Frazier, Community Rallies Around Jackson Boy Battling Rare Disease

Shore News Network

JACKSON-A Jackson boy has been receiving an outpouring of support from near and far as he continues to battle Castleman Disease, a rare disease that affects the lymph nodes that makes cells in and around the lymph nodes grow too fast.

Nine-year-old Joey Koslowski has undergone chemotherapy to fight the disease and in December, he had two unlikely fans reach out to him.

New York Mets star Todd Frazier and Brad Brach each sent Koslowski messages

“It’s all about you, keep battling, keep fighting like you got a 3-2 count and bases loaded and you gotta find a way to get that guy in,” Frazier said. “I know you got this, get rid of this ugly disease and keep fighting back and I’ll meet you one day, I think that would be pretty awesome. I know you got this.”


Frazier was joined by teammate Brad Brach.


“We’re behind you,” Brach said.

Holbrook Little League recently held their annual Breakfast with Santa, but this year, proceeds from the gift auction were donated to Joey and attendees came out to show support wearing their ugly sweaters and got their pictures taken with Santa.

https://www.facebook.com/holbrook366/videos/453500015563254/

So far, $21,000 has been raised by the “Let It Rip! Help Joey knock Castleman’s Out” GoFundMe campaign.

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On Sunday, July 28, Joey was brought Jersey Shore University Medical Center to see if his constipation could be alleviated.  Joey and his family were preparing for his older cousin’s wedding and he wanted to be at his best for the big day. After Joey’s mom, Julie spoke with the staff at JSUMC and explained her past health history they agreed to do a chest x-Ray.

“Who knew this test would forever change this little boy and his family’s life forever,” said Janine Pagano who organized the fundraiser.

A large mass was found in Joey’s chest. After speaking with a team of doctors it was decided that Joey would be transferred to Hackensack University Hospital where there were more pediatric specialists who would be able to help him. Joey was transferred on that Sunday night, arriving exhausted and scared in Hackensack at 11:45 pm. A biopsy of his lung confirmed The family’s worst fears, The mass was in fact cancerous.

Instead is celebrating with his family at the wedding of his cousin, Joey now prepares to fight cancer. Joey will is undergoing chemotherapy.

If you wish to support Joey, please click this link.

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