On Friday, September 17th, 2021 Alex walked 1.5 miles to work as normal, but the walk home from work was much different. He felt as if he couldn’t breathe like someone had punched him in his solar plexus. But he had to go back to work that night, so he took a quick nap as normal. He even visited his wife’s family in PA that weekend for his niece’s birthday even though over the weekend he began experiencing some horrific pain in his solar plexus, back, and flanks. That became bearable so they headed back to NYC and Alex went to work that week as normal. That following weekend he even met his friends in the park because if you know Alex, you know that life comes first. Throughout the week he was still dealing with an immense amount of pain, so Alex scheduled the earliest doctor’s appointment he could get for Monday, September 27th. By next Monday the 27th Alex’s skin had begun to jaundice enough to raise concern to the doctor, who ordered blood work and an ultrasound. By that evening the doctor called him from home and said he needed to make an appointment for a special MRI right away. Tuesday afternoon that same doctor got his results back and called him and told him he needed to go to an ER immediately. Alex agreed to go as soon as he finished his shift at work…because you know work comes first for Alex. After 13 hours in the ER he was finally admitted to Mt. Sinai. Over 13 days Alex faced an extensive array of tests, scans, and 2 ERCPS (semi-invasive procedures) only to find out he had stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma/pancreatic cancer. The doctors are still trying to determine which one based on DNA testing, but we were told we may never actually find out which one it is. These are both fairly rare cancers, although pancreatic cancer is more common and has more research out there.

Apparently, it all started with an autoimmune disease known as PSC – a rare disease of the bile ducts that can often stay undetected for many years. At stage 4 of PSC, patients develop cancer which can then spread to other areas of the body. Unfortunately in Alex’s case he had no idea he had any health issue until his cancer had gone from the biliary ducts/pancreas to the liver, then to the lymph nodes by the liver, and then to his spine.

Luckily October 18th Alex found a wonderful team to treat him at MSK. They have responded quickly with an intensive treatment plan for Alex. He got a mediport implanted the morning of Thursday, October 28th (which will help to deliver chemo treatments) and then he began his first chemo treatment that evening. He was a real trooper! The first treatment left him with less pain from his tumors, but unfortunately, he experienced a good deal of nausea and exhaustion (both of which were expected). His next round of chemo is Thursday, November 11th, his doctor would like to be a little more aggressive this round and has ordered two types of chemo for this treatment. The road ahead for Alex is going to be tough, but he is super strong and very disciplined. His doctor said there is no cure, but with careful monitoring, treatment, and time they are hopeful Alex can manage his cancer and enjoy a few more years at the least.

But that’s not the end of his story. Just the beginning of his fight.

As most of you know, Alex loves life. He loves to make people happy, support them, root for them, and most importantly, make them laugh. But it’s not just his immediate family and friends who get the full dose of vitamin A.

Alex has worked at Metropolitan Tower for 34 years and considers its residents his extended family. He has watched children grow, families form – and has shared in their joys and struggles. Always trying to do everything in his ability to make their day a better one. He is part of the fabric of Metropolitan Tower as it is forever a part of him.

And his kindness goes far beyond even that. Alex loves people, the planet, and all who inhabit it. The man also loves meat and seafood like no other. But decades ago he decided to give it up and became an ethical vegan. Partly for health but mostly to do his part in helping the planet. That’s all he ever wanted. To do his part. Proudly. Selflessly. Silently.

But now we ask for help on his behalf.

Alex is not one to ask for help. Ever. Being a burden is probably more painful for him than the disease.

But he faces a long and difficult road.

Alex intends to work for as long and as much as possible. We are so lucky and grateful the board, staff, and management at his building have been so accommodating, flexible, and supportive as he navigates this journey. But unfortunately, his doctor says that during the more aggressive treatments he may have to take off for long periods of time. Alex and his wife, Becca, can use whatever support possible to ease the burden of the treatment, the care, and the cost of surviving without both full-time salaries since Becca has been spending most of her time taking care of Alex. We humbly ask for any support you can give.

If not financially, then keep him in your heart. Root for him, as he has for so many others.

He plans to fight this with every ounce of his being. And we plan to fight with him.

We cannot describe how much we appreciate your generosity, kindness, and love.
Donations will go directly to Alex's wife, Becca, which tirelessly and compassionately fights this battle alongside him.