Community Raises Money As Washington Township Man Battles Rare Brain Tumor

As Vince Randazzo continues to battle a rare brain tumor at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina, his friends and family in Macomb County are also fighting hard to raise money to pay for Vince’s treatment.

In addition to several fund-raising efforts at various bars and banquet halls in Shelby Township, a benefit for Vince will be held on March 5 at 6 p.m. at Marco Antonio Italian Ristorante, located at 7750 Metropolitan Parkway.

In May 2010, the day before the Washington Township man’s 29th birthday, he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

He underwent a 12-hour surgery. Doctors said they were able to remove 99.9 percent of the tumor, and just as Vince was starting to feel his usual fun and outgoing self, an MRI revealed the tumor had returned.

In addition to the original tumor, doctors discovered two more brain tumors and two lesions on his spine.

Doctors were baffled and referred him to Duke University Hospital in North Carolina for answers.

Vince’s parents have moved to Durham, NC to be with him as he undergoes an aggressive treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy pills and radiation five days a week.

Through it all, Vince’s friends say he has never lost his sense of humor and is taking every day in stride.

And every day that Vince spends at the hospital getting treatment, his friends and family continue to sell tickets and raise money and awareness about Vince’s condition.

All the proceeds from the benefit will go toward Vince’s mounting medical and relocation expenses.

For ticket information, call 586-344-6499. Checks should be made payable to the Vince Randazzo Fund.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, click here or e-mail fight4vince@gmail.com.

Organizers of the event are still looking for sponsors and raffle or auction donations.