Support Through Cancer
- Angela Joyce Raiola, notoriously known by her nickname “Big Ang,” may have passed away eight years ago, but her family, friends, and fans continue to mourn the beloved reality TV personality, who died following an approximate year-long battle with throat cancer.
- Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer where cancerous cells begin in the throat, voice box or tonsils. Some of the main risk factors for this disease include smoking, drinking alcohol, a diet lacking in fruits or vegetables, acid reflux disease and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Facing cancer or any sort of health battle can be a very vulnerable and emotionally exhausting experience, so it can help to have a strong support system to lean on during treatment.
- Having support amid a cancer battle is hugely beneficial. According to New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik, receiving the diagnosis “can be a very overwhelming experience” that requires finding support outside of your usual circles.
Big Ang, known for being the niece of famed drug dealer Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi and for allegedly having a history with crime-connected men, passed away peacefully in New York City, with her friends and family around her.
Read MoreThis is @vinniemedugno on behalf of the family of Angela Raiola, please see below: pic.twitter.com/wiuPApr9Lw
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 18, 2016
The information, which was shared via Twitter, continued, “She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and the closest friends.
“YOU, (her fans) were some of the most special people in the world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end.”
Since her passing from stage four lung cancer, many of her fans took to social media to comment on how wonderful of a person she was, and we can’t help but look back on how much she was admired.
One fan commented on an Instagram post remembering Big Ang saying, “A guiding Angel. Forever she lives as an inspiration to all women and a representation of true class.”
View this post on Instagram
Another fan wrote, “Big Ang was the reason I watched Mob Wives…Gone But Never Forgotten!!”
“It has been very hard for me as a fan to go onto and follow the beautiful Big Ang’s page and look at her pictures. To me I saw a inner loving spirit as well as a loving woman. Loved everything about her. I pray for her family to try to understand why God has taken away their Angel,” a fourth fan commented.
“It is never easy but for me talking to my mother’s pictures everyday comforts me as cancer took her away at age 61 in the year 1991..I just wish I could have crossed over the bridge from Jersey to have met this sweet angel named Angela..rest in peace oh lovely one and keep watching over your loved ones and friends and just know us fans adore you also and forever xoxoxo.”
Expert Throat Cancer Resources
- Get the Facts: What Do We Know About HPV-Linked Throat Cancer?
- Having Oral Sex With Multiple Partners Can Increase Risk for Throat Cancer, Says New Study
- Majority of Throat Cancer Diagnoses Are Caused by HPV – Here’s What You Need to Know
- 7 Signs of Throat Cancer That Aren’t As Obvious as You’d Think; Knowing What to Look for Is Key
- Throat Cancer Is Increasing in the United States, New Research Suggests; Did You Know A Virus That Causes It Can Be Prevented With a Vaccine?
Big Ang, was a mother to Raquel Donofrio and Anthony “A.J.” Donofrio. She had six grandchildren at the time of her passing, and often took to social media to show off her loved ones.
In fact, just one moth before her death, she took to her Instagram page to share a sweet photo of her and her newest grandchild, writing alongside the post, “Guess who became a grandma again! This little bundle of joy is what makes it all worth while. This is just what I needed this week.
“I’d like you to say hi my baby to Anjolie Scotto! She was born last night and is a healthy 6lbs, 7oz with gorgeous black hair! I love her so much. Yes, I’m going to spoil her as well haha.”
View this post on Instagram
About a year before her passing, the kind-hearted mom who continues to be missed by family, friends, and fans, revealed she felt bad she didn’t tell her followers about her cancer.
She explained in an Instagram post, “Hi my babies! I am finally able to take a moment to speak to you all. First off, my apologies that you had to find out about my condition from every other outlet but me. This was never my intent, but unfortunately it got out there. Secondly, I want to clarify the rumors that I am hospitalized. I went in for a test due to the nodule in my throat. I had a nerve wracking couple of days, as would anyone when you hear testing etc…
“However, I am home peaceful and relaxing. As you can see, I just now took this photo to show you how I look at this very moment. This coming week I will be taking proper precautions and having it removed. I do want to say that you have all been on my mind every step of the way and I am so thankful to each and every one of you for the love, support, prayers and most of all positive wishes. Big Ang isn’t going anywhere!”
She concluded, “This is a minor setback, but I promise you this… I already have some BIG things in the works and will be returning to your TVs very soon. I thank God that I have great support all around me. Always look after yourselves and don’t neglect your health. I’m fortunate and blessed to have discovered something very early, and handle it in a positive manner. I thank you and I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Stay posted in the coming days, I will give you all updates. xoxoxox ”
We truly admire how optimistic Big Ang was throughout her cancer journey, as a positive outlook is always helpful in life.
The amount of love Big Ang had from her fans was very apparent, as a GoFundMe created following the news of her diagnosis actually raised $46,792, surpassing it’s goal of $25,000.
Understanding Throat Cancer
Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer where cancerous cells begin in the throat, voice box or tonsils. Some of the main risk factors for this disease include smoking, drinking alcohol, a diet lacking in fruits or vegetables, acid reflux disease and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
So, one way to decrease the chances of developing the disease is to get the HPV vaccine.
The American Cancer Society recommends that boys and girls get the HPV vaccine between ages 9 and 12. The organization also stresses that teens and young adults through age 26 who are not already vaccinated should get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, “About 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. Vaccinating all 11–12-year-olds can protect them long before they are ever exposed. CDC recommends two doses of HPV vaccine for all adolescents at age 11 or 12 years.”
Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, explains the link between throat cancer and HPV in a previous interview with SurvivorNet.
Get the Facts: HPV Can Cause Cancer In Men Too
“There are no screening guidelines to screen for throat cancer, unlike cervical cancer with pap smears. And there are no standard tests to determine if you harbor the (HPV) virus,” Dr. Geiger said.
“However, there is no concern that you’re going to spread this cancer to your partner or to anyone else, because at this point your partner has already been exposed to the virus and likely cleared it.”
There’s no yearly screening for throat cancer, so doctors often discover the disease when a patient sees them with symptoms that may point to it. Some symptoms include:
- A cough
- Changes in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- A lump or sore that doesn’t heal
- A sore throat
- Weight loss
It’s important to note, however, that these symptoms are not exclusive to throat cancer. Still, you should always see a doctor if you have any changes to your health.
HPV and Cancer Risk The Basics
Supporting a Loved One Through Cancer
Big Ang was lucky and grateful to have the support of her family, friends and fans by her side every step of her cancer journey.
While coping with a cancer diagnosis, patients can feel a wide range of emotions when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. Many may feel depressed, anxious, worried, overwhelmed, and even full of grief. Having support from your loved ones can help deal with these emotions.
WATCH: Seeking support after a diagnosis.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friends circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik tells SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional,” she added.
Finding the Support You Need to Heal During Cancer Treatment
Questions for Your Doctor
If you find yourself struggling emotionally to cope with your diagnosis, consider the following questions for your doctor or care team to help.
- How can I go about improving my outlook/mental health?
- Are there any activities I can do to encourage positive feelings?
- When should I seek other interventions if I’m still struggling?
- What are the steps to finding a different therapist if the one I’m using is not working out?
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.