The family of a popular Staten Island reality TV star is asking the public to help as she battles cancer. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.
You may know Angela "Big Ang" Raiola from VH1's Reality Show 'Mob Wives.' But now, the Staten Island star is dealing with much more than TV drama.
Raiola is currently fighting for her life after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and brain cancer.
"It's scary, but we have to fight the fight. We have to do it. There's no other way," said Janine Detore, who is Big Ang's sister.
Detore owns two stores on Forest Avenue. She says Ang underwent chemotherapy in January, but the treatments didn't work.
"To see someone as good as Ang to go through this, it makes it even harder," said Dominick Detore, Ang's brother-in-law.
They started an online fundraising page to raise money for cannabis oil, a treatment they hope will ease Big Ang's pain. They set a goal of $25,000, but they've quickly surpassed that. In just a few days, more than $39,000 has been donated.
"People see reality stars, and they figure, 'Oh, they're OK, you know. They're driving around in cars and in their houses. My sister's house is up for sale," Janine Detore said.
"She's without an income, and facing this is a very, very expensive ordeal," Dominick Detore said.
The Detores are also accepting prayer cards and letters for Big Ang. They say those can be sent to their store Country Mouse at 570 Forest Avenue.
"Sometimes, people have negative comments, but there's been so much more positive than negative, and it's good to see that," said Jeannie Detore, Big Ang's niece.
"We are overwhelmed, and we cannot believe the out pour of love, kindness," Janine Detore said.
In the meantime, the Detores say Ang will keep on fighting. She's already beaten cancer twice before, and her family says this time will be no different.