Boca Raton resident Charles Serra is determined to never give up hope as he continues to provide inspiration to his family in an ongoing battle during the last 12 years with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow. Serra received support from the community recently during a fundraiser event at Packy’s Sports Grill in Boca Raton as he prepares for a life-saving cancer procedure.
Serra will undergo a CAR-T procedure at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston during the first week of August. The CAR-T treatment is recently out of the clinical trial and offered to high-risk multiple myeloma patients. It involves blood taken and sent to a genetic laboratory. The T-cells from the blood will go through a gene transfer to change the DNA of the cells. The modified cells will be infused into the body to fight the cancer cells in the bone marrow.
Serra’s sister, Meril Stumberger, recently joined her family to help organize the fundraiser, which attracted over 200 people from throughout Palm Beach County and raised over $6,000 on behalf of Serra, who is known as Charlie. The event featured live music, dancing and raffles with 20% of proceeds donated to the cause. Packy’s Sports Grill provided a donation and the band also contributed. Anthony Pugliese, a real estate developer and pop culture collector, provided a memorabilia item to be used in an auction to raise additional funds.
“We did remarkably well at the fundraiser,” Stumberger said. “It shows the support from the people in our community. Everyone in the neighborhood has been wonderful. The love and support from his family and friends have been unbelievable. He has been going through a lot of pain and suffering for a lot of years. I do not think you find anyone tougher than my brother. He has a love for his family. It’s been so important to have his family close to him. We have stuck together and supported him all these years.”
Serra will remain in the hospital for over a week and stay in Houston for at least 45 additional days for evaluation until mid-September. He will be required to return to MD Anderson every two months for five days per visit for a comprehensive evaluation. He will also receive treatment at Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton and attend monthly doctor follow-up visits with an oncologist and for phlebotomy, cardiology and nephrology services. Serra has a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $100,000 for medical, travel, hotel and transportation expenses associated with his CAR-T treatment.
Serra was diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma in 2012. He noted that the genetic makeup in multiple myeloma can result in a survival rate and median life expectancy after diagnosis of only 3.6 years. Despite facing the most aggressive form of the disease, Serra has defied the odds. He previously received two stem cell transplants at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to extend his life. He also has traveled to MD Anderson every three months each year for a comprehensive evaluation, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have received exceptional care,” Serra said. “I have great rapport with every doctor and they’re attentive to me. It’s a complex situation and I have needed support from everyone to survive. MD Anderson is the No. 1 cancer facility in the world with top-notch doctors.”
Serra’s wife, Maryanne, is also a registered nurse and has helped him to manage and push through adversity. He has undergone over 700 chemotherapy treatments.
“It’s been physically grueling and challenging,” Serra said. “If you do not have support from your family, it’s impossible to get through this. I have such a close family and they really care. Everyone loves me dearly. My wife has been by my side and she has done everything she can do.I would have not made it all this time without her support.”
Serra worked in the medical profession before his diagnosis. He started at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood for five years. He worked for 37 years as a medical technologist at Boca Raton Community Hospital, which is now known as Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Serra was a dedicated employee who also served as an outreach coordinator and laboratory manager. He also would donate his sick time days back to others in need.
In October 2012, Serra originally thought he was coming down with the flu and had trouble breathing. He had difficulty walking and was forced to sit at the curb before entering his work facility. After heading to the emergency room and having his blood drawn, he had an extremely low hemoglobin count. He said he was shocked when he learned that he had a rare blood cancer. After his diagnosis, he went on disability and was unable to return to work due to oncology treatments, the loss of his immune system and kidney failure.
Serra received his first stem cell transplant in 2013 and had another transplant within the last three years. The two transplants each required a 45-day recovery period, including daily clinic visits with an oncologist. He also endured weekly drug maintenance chemotherapy. After his body rejected four cancer-fighting chemotherapy regimens, he went on a waitlist before entering into the CAR-T program. The side effects can include low counts of immune system cells, which can lead to fever, infection, nausea and other neurological effects.
Serra was advised by doctors to prepare for the treatment with exercise activity. He received accommodations at a local fitness facility with sections roped off and equipment cleaned to preserve his safety.
“My doctors told me to get in shape to increase my percentages,” he said. “The procedure has a lot of risk involved because of the nature of my cancer. There can be complications and serious side effects. I have used up every treatment modality and it’s my only option available to extend my life.”
Serra grew up in Brentwood, New York on Long Island. He has been a longtime resident at Loggers Run in Boca Raton since 1987. Serra was actively involved in Palm Beach County to assist youths and teens in sports. He coached youth football for the Boca Jets organization. He coached in the Southwest County Little League and with travel baseball teams at Perfect Game and Triple Crown tournaments, including winning the Fall World Series in St. Augustine. He also had the opportunity to coach future MLB players, including former Spanish River High School graduate and University of Miami third baseman Danny Valencia.
“I had the chance to coach elite players and made great memories,” he said. “I have received an enormous response from former players who learned about my diagnosis and it feels great.”
Serra said he is close to his three children, two grandchildren, sister and relatives. He said he is thankful to Tom Scalera, a family member who is the owner of Stanley Steemer. Serra’s home has been sprayed every two weeks to prevent viruses and bacteria in order to minimize his chances of receiving an infection. He recognized his sister, Meril, who took him to medical appointments when his wife previously had required work commitments.
As a high-risk patient, Serra has been unable to be in settings with large groups such as restaurants. He was unable to attend the fundraiser event. He also has missed spending time with family on some holidays, including on Thanksgiving and Christmas. He has received support from family, friends and neighbors, which has included meals prepared at home, takeout dinner and desserts. He also recognized how the power of prayer has been essential throughout his journey.
Serra has seen the financial challenges involved in his long fight with cancer as his savings account has been depleted. He has spent an average of $35,000 each year in medical expenses and incurred over $100,000 in travel expenses. He receives medicare coverage for hospital stays, but has incurred health care premiums and the costs involved as an outpatient and for medications.
“I served this medical community with distinction,” he said. “I have not been able to work since my diagnosis. It’s been really difficult. I appreciate all the support. I want to keep fighting for my family.”
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