Charles DeAngelo

Local attorney Charles DeAngelo is thanking the community for its prayers, thoughts and concerns — and sharing some good news, too.

DeAngelo released a letter last week through the Fessenden, Laumer and DeAngelo law firm’s website sharing the news that his previously diagnosed leukemia is in remission.

“It is truly unbelievable to Debbie and I, but on Monday, Jan. 9, the doctor advised us that I am in remission — there is no traceable cancer in my bone marrow or blood,” DeAngelo wrote. “Hallelujah! The CAR-T cell transfer I reported earlier worked. I want to kiss the scientists who labored, I’m sure, for years to create this treatment option. It saved my life.”

CAR-T cell therapy, a process that required his “T cells” (white blood cells be removed), transferred to a clinic in California and reproduced as new white blood cells that could fight the cancerous blast cells.

DeAngelo said a bone marrow transplant isn’t necessary now, though it is still an option in the future if needed. The attorney is continuing his treatment with regular appointments, though he plans to expand his office hours in the coming weeks.

“While I continued to work during these challenging times, I am now expanding my hours and coming into the office with more regularity,” he said. “Everything is on the road to normal, as it was before May 2022. Again, thank you for your prayers, heartfelt thoughts and concern. It truly made a difference to have everyone’s support while I battled this disease.”

DeAngelo’s legal work typically involves personal injury and union representation for the city’s police and fire departments while he has also been heavily involved in the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club, among other community organizations that help local youth.