TOMS RIVER – Teddy Golubowski was a cadet at the Ocean County Police Academy, aspiring to become an officer. One day, he’s running a mile in under a minute. Then suddenly, he was in the hospital.
Golubowski had a cold that he just couldn’t seem to shake but otherwise, he appeared to be in good health. He was actively training in the academy and had his sights set on his future career.
That was put to a halt on May 27, when he was feeling fatigued and looking pale. He was admitted to an emergency room. A scan revealed numerous masses on his liver and abdomen.
Over the course of the next two days, the news got worse. It was discovered that masses on his liver and lungs were metastatic cancer.
Doctors inserted a port, and he received blood transfusions, oxygen and underwent a number of other procedures. On June 3, just one week after he was admitted to the hospital, the masses on his liver began bleeding. He was intubated and doctors worked hard to handle a buildup of fluid around his lungs and the bleeding in his liver.
He was on dialysis and the family expected chemotherapy and more intensive treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Family members talked about how strong he was and how much of a fighter he was. However, the prognosis was devastating.
“This morning, just after 9 a.m., Teddy passed away very peacefully, with his parents, sisters, friends and family at his side,” the family said on GoFundMe.
“Earlier this week, it became clear that his liver was irreversibly failing, and that his other organs would follow suit. After processing this news, our family worked to make this transition as peaceful as possible for Teddy,” they said. “Throughout the night and the morning, friends and family were able to stay with him, telling stories about Teddy and taking comfort in each other. He spent his last hours breathing on his own, without the assistance of a ventilator, without any pain or discomfort, and surrounded by the people who he loved and who loved him.”
How To Help
The Golubowski family is still facing medical bills, and now funeral bills. The GoFundMe is still active at gofundme.com/f/support-teddys-sudden-battle-against-cancer
“Teddy was a full-time cadet in the Ocean County Police Academy and was set to join the Seaside Heights Police Department,” posted Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. “Just before his planned graduation from the Academy, Teddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Teddy’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”
“As a family, we want to thank everyone who has loved and supported Teddy not only in the past month, but throughout his life. Thank you to the family, friends, healthcare workers, and even total strangers who have shown us so much grace, understanding, and care,” the family said.
“We would ask that everyone continue to celebrate Teddy’s life and the wonderful man that he was.”
