HELP Ralph Petrella beat cancer for the FINAL time!

Ralph A. Petrella is a Cape May County native, born and raised on Magnolia Avenue in Wildwood, then in Anglesea. He graduated from Saint Ann’s Elementary and Wildwood Catholic High School’s Class of 1989, and chased his dreams with a degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University. Ralph built a solid career at VanNote Harvey Engineers in Princeton, New Jersey, where he not only found professional success but also the love of his life, Sabrina. Together, they’ve created a beautiful family with three amazing daughters; Morgan, who’s out there making her mark in the world; Kaitlyn, a bright freshman at the University of Tennessee; and Anna, a spirited sophomore at Northern Burlington High School. Ralph’s world revolves around his girls, their laughter, their milestones, their futures.

Back in November 2016, Ralph’s world shattered when he was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer. He fought like a warrior through 12 grueling weeks of chemo and radiation, followed by surgery to remove 18 inches of his colon and a temporary ileostomy. Then came another 12 weeks of chemo, and finally, in November 2017, the ileostomy was reversed. Ralph emerged stronger, cherishing every day with a fresh appreciation for life. For the next eight years, he lived fully, watching his daughters grow, building memories with Sabrina, and staying on top of his health with regular check-ups. All tests came back normal, giving everyone hope that the nightmare was over.

Then, in June 2025, during what should have been a routine annual visit with his oncologist, Ralph got the all-clear from his doctor who declared that his numbers “looked great,” and assured him the chance of recurrence was “as close to zero one could be.“ While always cautious, Ralph took it upon himself to look over the test results and was surprised to see something alarming in his results; specifically, his CEA levels were sky-high at 11.8, way above the normal 4.0! When he asked his doctor about it, the response from the oncologist was devastating — “I noticed that, and wasn’t sure what to make of it.” Ralph’s trust in his care team was shaken, and he felt alone.

Further testing of a CT scan showed a mass. A PET scan was inconclusive. Finally, an MRI revealed the shattering truth that Ralph has Stage 3 recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma. His original oncologist delivered the blow and recommended lifelong chemo as the “only option.” With growing distrust, Ralph got a second opinion. This new oncologist admitted chemo and drugs isn’t the cure; instead, they would just buy time of a couple of years and recommended a surgeon.

The cancer surgeon saw a glimmer of hope, offering to remove the tumor in a “as close to a curative” procedure, but the cost to Ralph’s body would be immense. Ralph would expect to lose more of his colon along with his bladder, prostate, and parts of his ureter. He’d end up with both a colostomy bag and a urostomy bag, which is a rare and life-altering reality that no one should have to endure.

Devastated but determined, Ralph refused to accept these limited paths. He began exploring natural alternative medicine treatments, reaching out to specialized doctors who focus on holistic approaches. Natural treatments come with high costs that add up quickly; specifically, a few thousand dollars per month for each of the re-purposed drugs, chelation therapy, & speciality lab tests , IV treatments, and needing 20–40 sessions for hyperbaric oxygen sessions just to start, along with herbal/vitamin protocols. All of these tactics are highly sought after, but limited in availability, extended waiting lists, and other than certain basic lab tests none are covered by any health insurance. The services are only available during business hours, which will require Ralph missing time at work and lost wages on top of the increased treatment costs. This is a multiple year process that can possibly last for as long as he lives.

It’s been an uphill battle! With time ticking, Ralph is mentally preparing to undergo the surgery that he desperately wanted to avoid if this alternative route does not produce positive results. Surgery would mean missing larger chunks of work and wages. Yet Ralph’s fighting spirit shines through and he’s committed to giving everything for more time with Sabrina and his daughters, who need their dad more than ever.

Your support means the world to Ralph and his family right now. His sister Lisa Petrella-Harkins and his cousins Eileen Hart-Carter and Peter Compare are creating this needed funding effort to help Ralph.

Every donation helps cover the uncovered treatments, easing the financial burden so Ralph can focus on healing. Imagine the joy of seeing his girls graduate, walk down the aisle, or simply share another family dinner. Ralph’s story is one of unbreakable love and resilience.

Will you help write the next chapter of Ralph’s life? At the very least, keep Ralph and his family in your prayers and if you’re able, please help in any way.