Ariana Rene Nisler, a 7-year-old from West New York, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a frequent and aggressive type of brain tumor last August.
The second-grade student from Public School No. 3 was expected to begin her school year in September but had to go undergo treatment for the tumor.
Her mother, Arelis Nisler, took an unpaid leave from work in order to accommodate Ariana and stand alongside her.
A friend of the family told The Reporter that although young Ariana has been in and out of the hospital, the family is handling the situation as well as they can.
As a result of the financial and emotional hit the Nislers have suffered, the town of West New York in collaboration with the Board of Education, held many fundraisers to help the family.
Mayor "Sal" Vega has commended the efforts of the teachers, police, and community in joining forces to help Ariana and noted that the community will also hold future fundraisers to help the family's cause.
Teaming up
One event held in her honor was a "Denim Day" for the faculty throughout the school district.
"Denim Day" was an event in which teachers paid $5 (or more if they pleased) to be allowed to wear jeans to school. The profits from the denim-dressed teachers all went to help Ariana and her family.
Another fundraiser held was a volleyball game between teachers of the middle school and West New York's Police Benevolent Association.
In addition, the No. 3 Middle School raised $1600 of the totaling $6,583 fund during a Healthy Snacks Sale.
Organized by 2nd grade teacher Lori Parisio along with the help of 25 other faculty members, the faculty held a 3-day Healthy Snacks Sale in which healthy food items were sold at a $1 a piece.
Parisio said that many students gave more than the required amount for the snacks.
"I would get 50 dollar bills from students telling me it was from their parents," she said. "It was great!"
Currently underway is another fundraiser that consists of 8th graders selling t-shirts for Ariana and rubber wristbands reading "kicking cancer's butt" on one side and Ariana's name on the other side.
Sales of the t-shirts and $2 rubber bands have been running since Nov. 15 and will continue until Dec. 14. To find out how you can help contact or contribute, contact John Fauta at the Board of Ed at (201) 553-4000, ex. 8007.
Upcoming fundraisers Members throughout Hudson County have joined forces in order to contribute to Ariana's cause.
This Monday, on Dec. 10, the Elks Club in Hoboken will be hosting an event to help raise funds for Ariana.
The fundraiser is a joint effort running concurrently with the Hoboken Police Department PBA's annual Toys for Tots drive. The five-dollar entry fee will support the children's toy drive.
After a homemade dinner at 6:30 p.m. and showing of a football game, those interested in contributing to Ariana's cause can sit for a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at 8:30 p.m.
There will be 10 tournament tables where 20 percent of the initial $100 buy-in (the money used initially to begin a poker game) will go towards helping the Nisler family.
Raffles will also be held where participants can win gift certificates for restaurants, cleaning services, and more. There will also be future fundraisers held for Ariana including a 70s dance and a car wash.
For more information on Monday's event, and future upcoming events, contact Fred Abraso at (201) 988-5732. Those wishing to mail a contribution can do so by sending a check or money order to: Ariana Nisler, c/o Fred Abramo, 48 Forrest St., North Arlington, N.J., 07031. For comments on this story, e-mail NMillan@hudsonreporter.com
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