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Bucks County Caregiver Steals $87K from 72-Year-Old Client

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A Bucks County home care worker was found guilty for identity theft and receiving stolen property after stealing more than $87,000 from her elderly client.

Jennifer Ramirez, 33, of Nockamixon Township, admitted to stealing her client’s credit cards and opening new accounts in his name while working as his aide in his Hilltown Township home.

The caregiver used the credit cards and accounts to withdraw cash from her client’s bank account to go on online shopping sprees. Ramirez also made 155 purchases on Amazon.com from April, 2016 to July, 2016.

In addition to the credit cards, Ramirez stole a safe from her client, containing two revolvers. Police later found the safe, with the guns and credit cards inside, along a path on Tower road in Nockamixon, less than 900 yards from her home.

The thefts occurred while the 72-year-old victim was paying Ramirez and her company, Home Sweet Home Private Duty Services, to take care of him. The victim died about seven months after the discovery of the thefts.

Ramirez was sentenced to serve 18 to 48 months in state prison after pleading guilty to the charges.

Judge Raymond F. McHugh placed Ramirez on five years of consecutive probation on top of her prison sentence, and ordered her to pay $87,711.74 in restitution to the victim’s estate.

The Hilltown Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bucks County Detectives investigated the case. Deputy District Attorney Marc J. Furber prosecuted the case.



Photo Credit: Bucks County District Attorney's Office

Gunman Kills Young Man in Allentown After Crash

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NBC10's Brandon Hudson spoke to the victim's friend and father. Watch his interviews on NBC10 News at 11 in the video embedded above starting at 11 p.m.


Friends and family are mourning a young man who was shot and killed by a gunman following a crash in Allentown.

Carlos Richiez, 19, was driving at the intersection of 10th and Chestnut streets in Allentown shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday when he was involved in an accident with another vehicle. Witnesses say the driver of the other car got out and opened fire, shooting Richiez in the head, before fleeing the scene. Richiez was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where he was pronounced dead at 10:14 p.m.

“It is the worst phone call that you can receive,” said Richiez’s father, Teofilo Nunez. “This is really, really painful. I cannot describe what I feel inside.”

No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of the suspect. As the investigation continues, Richiez’s loved ones are coping with their loss.

“His uncle left a message saying he was gone. To rest in peace,” said Melissa Cruz, Richiez’s friend. “I just couldn’t believe it.”

A memorial was made for Richiez at the intersection where he was killed.
Nunez says he wants justice for his son.

“The feeling that there is nothing that you can do to bring him back,” Nunez said. “The guy who did that, he’ll have to pay for that.”

Man and Woman Found Dead in Bedroom of Delaware Home

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An investigation is underway after a man and woman were both found dead in the bedroom of a Bear, Delaware home on Tuesday.

Officers was dispatched to the unit block of Vincent Lane to check on the welfare of the New Castle County homeowner. When they arrived, police found the bodies of the two victims inside the room.

Investigators say there was no forced entry and no evidence suggesting a third person was involved. They also said there is no perceived threat to the community.

Police have not released the identities of the victims or a cause of death. They continue to investigate.


Montco Couple Escapes Northern Cali Wildfires

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California natives may be familiar with the wrath that wildfires have on the state, but Pennsylvania locals Jeff and Nicole Luetke had no idea how devastating they really can be until escaping one in Napa Valley Monday morning.

The couple was on a work-related trip to Wine Country where they expected to enjoy a few days of work and relaxation away from their busy lives in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. On Sunday however, they wildfires began, overwhelming Sonoma and Napa Counties where the couple was staying.

The same night, Nicole Luetke lit a fire in their hotel room and soon after the whole room started to smell like smoke. It wasn’t until the next morning that the two realized that the smoke was not in fact coming from the hotel’s in-suite chimneys but instead coming from the outside, as wildfire had overcome the surrounding areas.

“Initially I thought, there must be a number of people burning fires this evening in their little hotel rooms,” Jeff Luetke said. “But it turns out the next morning when we woke up, we immediately saw that the sky had this discoloration. It wasn’t clear, a fog had come through.”

Hotel management was scrambling to keep employees and customers calm, saying that they were taking the situation “minute by minute,” according to Nicole Luetke. The hotel later shut down valet services, sent their staff home, and advised guests to do the same, in order to evacuate.

“When you went outside it was an immediate sense of panic with the dark sky and ash falling down,” Nicole Luetke said.

“At that point, you know it’s too close,” said Jeff Luetke.

Around 9 o’clock in the morning, the couple knew they had to flee the area in order to stay safe because the fires were closing in on them.

“The smell of smoke was so heavy you had to hold your nose to breathe,” Nicole Luetke said.

Faced with a tedious journey due to a main highway being shut down and a significant amount of traffic, the two gathered what belongings they could quickly get from their hotel room and their ash-coated car. They then traveled to San Francisco, away from the fires.

“Looking up the hills and the mountains you could see firetrucks trying to course their way up to save people,” Nicole Leutke said.

Unlike many California citizens faced with the destruction the wildfires caused, Jeff and Nicole were able to fly back to their Pennsylvania home and kindergarten-aged daughter soon after. With the death toll from the wildfires at 23, the couple knows how fortunate they are.

"My heart goes out to all of the people in Napa Valley, Sonoma, in that location," Jeff Luetke said.

For more information on the California wildfires, click here.

Catch Up Quickly: 14 People Overdose

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Here are the top news stories you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.


TODAY'S TOP STORY 

14 People Overdose on Heroin in 4 Hours: Fourteen people overdosed in Camden in a four-hour period Wednesday from what the New Jersey attorney general described as "fentanyl-laced heroin.” None of the overdose victims died, but most of them were taken to Cooper University Medical Center. All of the overdoses occurred in the South Camden area, Camden County Police Department spokesman Dan Keashen said. The series of overdoses took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with many occurring on Broadway south of the Police Administration Building. Police made an arrest related to the overdoses, Keashen said. It's not clear what that suspect has been charged with. New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino later tweeted from his personal account with a sense of urgency about the "mass overdose."

    WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

    Philly Elementary School Closes Due to Mold: A Philadelphia elementary school has been closed due to traces of mold being found in the classroom. Philadelphia School District officials say they first received a report of a possible mold issue at John B. Kelly Elementary School on 5100 Pulaski Avenue. Traces of mold were found in several classrooms of the school after heating, ventilating and air-conditioning issues, according to officials. An environmental remediation contractor and other workers began to remove the problem at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. J.B. Kelly will be closed to students and staff Thursday as officials continue to investigate the cause of the mold.

    YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST  

    The rain is expected to continue Thursday, which could also see temperatures in the 60s. Friday may also see some rain and cooler temperatures. Saturday is expected to be sunny with temperatures back in the 70s and Sunday could see 80 degree temperatures. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

    [[450562383, C]]

        TODAY'S TALKER                

        Gunman Kills Man After Crash: Friends and family are mourning a young man who was shot and killed by a gunman following a crash in Allentown. Carlos Richiez, 19, was driving at the intersection of 10th and Chestnut streets in Allentown shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday when he was involved in a crash with another vehicle. Witnesses say the driver of the other car got out and opened fire, shooting Richiez in the head, before fleeing the scene. Richiez was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where he was pronounced dead at 10:14 p.m.

        AROUND THE WORLD

        Pa. AG Sues Trump Over New Contraception Rules: Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro joined a list of law enforcement officials from across the country and women's groups in filing a lawsuit Wednesday against the Trump administration over the new contraceptive rules. The White House issued the new rules Friday that would broaden the moral and religious exemptions allowed for companies that seek to stop providing free birth-control to female employees. Hundreds of thousands of women receive free contraceptives through employers' insurance plans as part of a requirement in the Affordable Care Act. Shapiro claims in the suit that the new rules violate the due process clause of the fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


        That's what you need to know to Catch Up Quickly, but we've got more stories worthy of your time. Click here to check them out



        Photo Credit: NBC10

        Store Owner Shoots Man After Death Threats, Police Say

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        A West Philadelphia corner store owner opened fire on a customer he claims threatened to kill his wife and kids, investigators said.

        Officers responded to H & K Deli at Dewey and Market streets Wednesday night to find a 22-year-old male shot in the right leg.

        "He tells them he was in a store across the street," Philadelphia police Lt. John Walker, with Southwest Detectives, said.

        When officers go into the corner store, the business owners tells them the 22-year-old started throwing trash after an argument over an item, Walker said.

        "He chased him out of the store and told him 'never to come back,'" Walker said.

        On his way out the door, the 22-year-old threatened to kill the store owner, his wife and children, the store owner told police.

        The 22-year-old returned to the store, anyway, around 10 p.m.

        "The owner then confronts him and tells him to get out of the store," Walker said. "At some point, the owner pulls a gun and fires a shot."

        The shooting left the 22-year-old in stable condition.

        The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office would determine if any charges will be filed.



        Photo Credit: NBC10

        Firefighter Rescued After Falling Though Floor

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        Firefighters rushed to rescue one of their own after a collapse sent him tumbling through a Hamilton Township, New Jersey home early Thursday. NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal has details.

        8 Children Hurt in School Bus Crash

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        Eight children suffered what appeared to be minor injuries as a school bus crashed at a Delaware intersection Thursday morning.

        The First Student yellow bus and one other vehicle collided at New Castle Avenue and Memorial Drive in New Castle around 8:20 a.m., county dispatchers told NBC10.

        Sixteen students from New Castle Elementary School were on board, the Colonial School District said. Eight children from the K to 5 school were taken to A.I. duPont Hospital for Children for treatment for what appeared to be minor injuries, district spokeswoman Lauren Wilson said.

        The school principal accompanied the students to the hospital as parents were notified, Wilson said.

        The bus driver wasn't hurt, the district said.

        The bus appeared to go off the road and over the sidewalk — taking out a pedestrian signal — before coming to rest partially on a pedestrian island.

        It was unclear if the other driver was injured.

        The wreck left New Castle Avenue closed, Delaware State Police said.

        The district subcontracts out busing services to First Student. The company didn't immediately return a call for comment.



        Photo Credit: NBC10 - Tim Furlong

        Body Found in Schuylkill River With Gunshot to the Head

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        A body pulled from the Schuylkill River along the popular Schuylkill River Trail in Center City had a gunshot wound to the head.

        Philadelphia police investigated the incident along the path under Walnut Street shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday as a case of homicide.

        The man appeared to have been in his 50s. He had one gunshot wound to the forehead, police said.

        Investigators didn’t immediately reveal any further details.

        This story is developing and will be updated.



        Photo Credit: SkyForce10

        Phillies' Rupp Adopts PSCPA Pup

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        When a 2-year-old Cane Coroso was found abandoned and hog-tied outside the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters in North Philadelphia, Philadelphia Phillies’ catcher Cameron Rupp was the first person the PSPCA called.

        The PSPCA knew of Rupp's love for dogs after having worked with him on several events. Rupp formed a service event with the PSPCA in July called Ruppapalooza and raised over $30,000.

        Rupp came to the shelter and visited the stray Cane Coroso many times before deciding to officially adopt her on Oct. 10.

        Rupp named the rescued dog Lola, and she now lives happily in her forever home with her canine brother and new best friend, Chief.

        Rupp is the Phillies’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente award for his work with the PSPCA. That award recognizes a player for extraordinary contributions on and off the field, particularly for community service.



        Photo Credit: Pennsylvania SPCA

        NE Extension Closing Friday for 55 Hours: What to Know

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        For 55 hours this weekend, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will close a stretch of the Northeast Extension so crews can demolish and replace a deteriorating 60-year-old bridge.

        That's a huge interruption for the 30,000 drivers who use the road each day -- including residents of the Lehigh Valley and people on their way to the Poconos.

        Here's what drivers need to know:

        When will the road be closed?

        The turnpike commission will close the Northeast Extension (also known as Interstate 476) at milepost 57.6, near Allentown, at 9 p.m. Friday night through 4 a.m. Monday morning.

        What’s the detour?

        During the 55-hour closure, northbound drivers will be forced off at the Lehigh Valley Interchange (No. 56) while southbound drivers will need to get off at the Pocono Interchange (No. 95). Drivers then will be led through a detour along Route 22, Route 33 and Interstate 80.

        Leave yourself some time. The normal drive is just under 40 miles and takes around 35 minutes. But the detour is 70 miles and 70 minutes.

        Southbound drivers will still be able to access the Route 903 (No. 87) and Mahoning Valley (Route 74) interchanges but won’t be able to pass Mahoning Valley, the commission said. The "local detour" along U.S. Route 209 is about 60 miles and will take around 65 minutes.

        What should drivers expect? Trouble.

        "Motorists will face a lengthy detour that will add more than an hour to their travel time," turnpike CEO Mark Compton said. "As a result, we strongly advise customers to avoid this area or plan for extra travel time during the detour weekend."

        What work is being done?

        Crews will replace the existing steel I-beam bridge over Crackersport Road in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County with a new steel plate girder bridge.

        Why is the replacement needed?

        Photos show rust, decay and cracks to the bridge, which spans 131 feet. It carries around 30,000 drivers daily, the turnpike commission said.

        How is the work being done so quickly?

        It normally takes crews about 18 months to replace a bridge but this project will take just one weekend.

        Construction crews from Road-Con Inc. from West Chester have spent months building the 115-foot spans for the new bridge next to the existing structure and will slide them into place over the weekend, the commission said.

        What if weather doesn’t cooperate?

        The bridge replacement will be pushed to Oct. 20 to 23.



        Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

        Philly Could Lose Millions if City Keeps Sanctuary Status

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        The Department of Justice is once again threatening to cut off funding for Philadelphia if the city maintains its sanctuary status.

        In a letter issued Thursday, the DOJ warned the city it has "laws, policies or practices" that violate a federal statute requiring local governments to comply with federal immigration officials in deporting suspected undocumented immigrants in local jails.

        Philadelphia has until Oct. 27 to prove the city is in compliance.

        A similar letter was sent to seven municipalities, including Chicago, New York and New Orleans.

        Offending cities and states stand to lose money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (or JAG grant), which provided Philadelphia with $1.6 million in 2016 to spend on police overtime, training, equipment, courtroom technology and other aspects of the criminal justice system.

        In August, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and City Solicitor Sozi Pedro Tulante announced a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions over withholding grant funds by imposing new and “unprecedented” requirements to show compliance.

        “As you know, the city welcomed immigrants long before I was ever mayor,” Kenney said at the time. “Immigrants are key to the success of Philadelphia.”

        On Wednesday, an undocumented immigrant who had been hiding in a Philadelphia church basement went home for the first time in 11 months. Fearing deportation and separation from his family, Javier Flores Garcia went into hiding shortly after the election of President Donald Trump.

        He was released on the same that Trump visited Pennsylvania to tout his tax plan.

        In April, a presidential executive order that would have cut off funds to sanctuary cities was stymied by a judge's order. Chicago won a ruling over the department last month over an earlier threat to withhold public safety funding.

        NBC10 will livestream a press conference with Mayor Jim Kenney at 4:30 p.m. Please check back for updates.




        Photo Credit: Getty Images

        'Then There Were Angels': Tammie Souza's Son's Tumor Battle

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        This is the third installment of NBC10 First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Tammie Souza’s story of her son Caleb battling a brain tumor.

        Read Part 1: 'Tragedy, Bravery and a Very Big Miracle'

        Read Part 2: Picking Up & Going

        The Tumor & the Doctor

        We sat in Caleb’s hospital room and watched the sunrise over Lake Michigan. He was sleeping peacefully. Monitors and medical equipment lined his bed with various wires leading back to his small body. There was an IV line in his arm and an ID band on his wrist. On the dry erase board above his bed was his name and weight. Caleb had lost an alarming 9 pounds. He was already a thin boy and now he looked so tiny and emaciated. I just kept asking myself how did this happen? Two days ago he was playing baseball and eating pizza.

        Paige, the pediatric nurse assigned to Caleb stopped in to check on him several times. She was the nurse we would credit with helping to save his life the next day. More on that later. He was stable, but on medication for pain and swelling in his brain. Greg had already spoken to Caleb’s neurosurgeon the night before while I was traveling from Philadelphia to Chicago. It wasn’t until later that morning I finally met Dr. Amanda Saratsis. She is a petite, soft-spoken woman with long, blonde hair – one of six pediatric neurosurgeons at the hospital where she also conducts research on pediatric brain tumors. I instantly felt comfortable with her. Maybe it was the confident and reassuring way she carried herself or the respectful manner she spoke with both Caleb and us.

        We had so many questions: What type of tumor? Is it malignant? Is it operable? How rare is it? How long has it been growing? What caused it? Why is he having headaches, dizziness, vomiting and balance problems? She told us Caleb’s tumor was likely a low-grade glioma known as a Pilocytic Astrocytoma. I had read about this rare type of pediatric brain tumor. They are the most benign and slow growing with about 2,000 diagnosed in children each year in the U.S. They can be located in various parts of the brain, but typically are found in the rear portion like Caleb’s. Size is what makes them deadly. His was very large, about the size of a lemon with a surrounding capsule the size of an orange. It was sitting in the back of his brain squeezing out the area where the cerebellum should be. It was also closing off the opening to his fourth ventricle, essentially shutting down his body functions.

        Dr. Saratsis said it was not clear from the original MRI if Caleb’s tumor was benign or if it had spread to the spine or was still fully encapsulated. If it had not spread there was a good chance it could be removed. Everything was speculation at that point, but we saw a glimmer of hope and chose to focus on that. She ordered 3-D MRI with contrast to get a better view of the tumor, the brain and the spine. If everything looked good Caleb would head to surgery in less than 36 hours. First, a hole would be drilled in the top of his head to insert a tube through his brain to control the flow of his cerebral fluid. Then Caleb would be flipped over and they would make a 7 inch incision through the muscle on the back of his neck and head. A portion of his skull would be cut out and then the tumor and capsule would be removed from behind a brain lobe. The entire surgery would take about seven hours. It was a good plan.

        DAY 1 at the Hospital

        We spent the rest of the day playing with Caleb. He wasn’t allowed to eat before the MRI and he was getting very hungry. Greg and I had no appetite and we hadn’t slept in two days. So much of that day was spent in a haze. My parents arrived that afternoon, my brother Matt and sister-in-law Susie cut their vacation short and flew to Chicago and my sister Patty, who was also on vacation, re-routed herself to be with us and Caleb. One of Caleb’s best friends, Isaak, came to visit with his family. They decorated his room and provided some much needed relief and smiles. Numerous balloons, toys and stuffed animals arrived, which brightened his room even more. Jacqueline London sent a huge stuffed dog that Caleb slept with each night. He loved all these surprises. Throughout the day friends and colleagues called and texted. At one point I had to put my phone away because just answering everyone became overwhelming. I had sent notes asking for help from friends, prayer warriors and prayer circles. I knew in my heart each of the many prayers would make a huge difference in the outcome ahead. As the day wore on Caleb’s headaches returned. He was so hungry and the medicine made him feel sad. At one point he looked at me and said, “mommy I’m so sorry I got sick and kept you and daddy awake all night.” My heart broke and it was all I could do not to cry. I just hugged him and told him not to apologize, we love him more that the sun and moon and stars and it’s our job to take care of him. That’s when Greg and I decided it was time to make this tumor something Caleb could relate to. He loves Transformers – can name them all and has an impressive collection. His favorite: Optimus Prime, of course. If you know about Transformers then you will understand this next part. We told Caleb the tumor was like bad energon (the life source of Transformers) and the surgeon needed to remove it ASAP or he would become a Decepticon. We even bought a beautiful marble to give him after surgery as a symbol of the tumor.

        By 9 p.m. Caleb’s headaches had worsened, he hadn’t eaten in 24 hours waiting for the MRI and tears rolled down his cheeks because he was so hungry. Finally, they came to get him for the MRI. He was given a light anesthetic to remain still during the one-hour procedure. Afterward he slept… we did not.

        DAY 2 at the Hospital

        As the sun rose that morning Greg and I realized it had been 56 hours since either of us had slept. We were still waiting for the MRI results and those early hours were the last quiet moments we would have for several weeks. Caleb woke up happy and smiling, he picked at his breakfast and we played. My parents, brother and sister visited and we took Caleb for a walk around the hospital. It was built specifically for children and families. There are large fish aquariums, gardens, a piano and music area overlooking the city, giant play rooms with views of Lake Michigan, a floor with a full-size fire truck, and sports rooms sponsored by the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Fire and Blackhawks. Many of the athletes visit the hospital daily. Each floor of the hospital is a specific animal. Caleb wanted the tiger floor, but that was the MRI floor, and we were the flamingos on Floor 19. Each hospital room is private, so although the floor was full of children battling life threatening conditions we saw very few of them.

        Late that morning Dr. Saratsis stopped by to discuss the results of the MRI. Caleb’s tumor did appear to be encapsulated and there was no sign of spreading to the spine. The surgical plan was a go at dawn. We were very honest with Caleb and explained what was happening and why he needed the surgery right away. Dr. Saratsis even talked with him about everything she would do. Caleb asked two questions: Would it hurt? And, will the headaches stop? She told him he would be asleep and feel no pain and there would be no more headaches. He literally took a beat, looked at all of us, smiled and said, “OK.” That was it…no tears…no complaints…no other questions. Just OK.

        I promised Caleb anything he wanted for dinner that night. He chose crab legs. I attribute that to my sister-in-law who loves crab legs and turned Caleb on to them at an early age. I had my second wind and set out in search of dinner. By the time I returned with the crab, Caleb’s headaches had returned. He was groggy from the extra pain medicine and had no appetite for dinner. I felt so bad. Things were changing quickly and I failed to give him his wish. Caleb’s headaches were happening more frequently and a few hours later he turned to me and whispered, “Mommy what if I don’t wake up from surgery, I’m afraid.” I was afraid too, but in that moment I chose to make a promise that would haunt me hours later. I looked him in the eyes and guaranteed everything would be fine and he would wake up.

        Then There Were Angels

        It had been hot in Chicago. No surprise for late July. The skies were clear and it was a muggy night in the low 80s. My parents left for their hotel a few hours earlier. They would wait for our call to come back in the morning when Caleb was heading to surgery. The room was dark and quiet except for the constant alerts from the monitors at Caleb’s bed. Strangely those consistent beeps were a comfort to us. Greg and I were both exhausted and a little loopy. That’s when he started staring out the window. I asked what he was looking at and he said “snow.” I didn’t know what to say. It was clear and muggy and 80 degrees out. I didn’t see a thing. He pointed and said look at those white waves in the air moving up and down. I made him sit down and shut his eyes. Then he stood up and said don’t you see it? He pointed out the window and described a flowing sea of white waves like doves or the wings of angels. It was at that moment the first of the alarms triggered on Caleb’s monitors.

        The Crisis, the Collapse and the Code

        Caleb’s headaches had accelerated to a dangerous rate. Paige, his pediatric nurse, was in and out of the room constantly. His heart rate would soar to 100 and then dip to 38. It was as if he would relax into a brief sleep and then less than a minute later the headache would wake him up and his heart would race. Greg and I were very worried. Caleb was doing breathing exercises to control the pain. They had given him the maximum medication allowed and the headaches were worsening. At one point Greg asked if this could kill him. The resident on call said no, this was common with this type of tumor. At that moment I should have screamed “BULL.” I was sleep deprived and blame myself for the pain Caleb endured over the next six hours. The nurse was also concerned and was in contact with Dr. Saratsis who had been monitoring Caleb all night. What we didn’t know is he was deteriorating so rapidly that surgery was moved up and the OR was being prepped.

        At 5 a.m., Paige told us they were coming to get Caleb and we needed to be ready. There were papers to be signed and one of us was constantly holding Caleb during these headaches. I was starting to panic. This was not the plan we had discussed. Caleb was in a full-blown emergency. Then as the team was wheeling in the gurney, and Greg was grabbing our things, Caleb let out a primal scream that I will never forget. It was like a wounded animal and came from such a deep place. Then he went limp. His heart raced to 168 and all signs stopped. Paige hit the Code button and before I could react there were 30 doctors and nurses in his room and the hallway. I was calling Caleb’s name, Greg was gently rubbing his sternum and then my head started spinning. I was crying and angry and confused. How did this happen in 36 short hours. This tumor was operable and now he was dying before surgery. This was my fault. I needed to be that pushy mom I always was. Nothing seemed real. We waited our whole lives for a child. He was awesome and loving and perfect. I was praying and yelling and living in some other world at that point. Paige grabbed me and hugged me and said he’s not going to die. They started to resuscitate him and placed a new IV. His tiny face was covered by an oxygen mask. We kept calling his name, but his eyes wouldn’t open. They gave him medication to shrink the fluid on his brain and then slowly after minutes his eyes fluttered. I called his name but his eyes were blank. I was certain there had to be brain damage. I spotted my parents in the hall. Why were they here? We hadn’t called them and it was still pre-dawn. They were sobbing and hugging each other. Later my dad told me they woke up sensing Caleb needed them and they came to the hospital immediately without knowing what had happened. That’s when the hall was cleared and we all ran with Caleb’s bed to the elevator and down to surgery.

        It was surreal like a TV drama. There was shouting as we were running and pushing the bed. It slammed the walls as we turned the corners. After what seemed like an eternity we reached the operating room. Greg and I were still trying to get a response from Caleb. I was quizzing him, with who are we and what is your dog’s name? That’s when Caleb opened one eye and said “Mom! It’s Hawley.” My heart jumped. He was pissed and tired of the questions and of course he knew who his dog was. Caleb was still in there and fighting, but he was so weak from a night of headaches every minute. I turned to the anesthesiologist and asked if he was strong enough for surgery. Recall, I had promised he would wake up and now I was terrified he would not. She answered honestly “We have no choice.” That was not what I wanted to hear and I started looking around for Dr. Saratsis. The room was full of activity and out of the corner of my eye I saw her running toward me. She grabbed Greg and I, looked at us and said “Let me do this. I have to relieve the pressure on his brain so I can get him back to you. Trust me.” She was so clear and confident and a mom herself so we stepped back and said “Go, do it.” They grabbed Caleb’s bed and I was sobbing. His eyes were half closed and I was shouting “I love you Caleb.”

        Then the doors closed and he was gone. I never thought I would see him again.

        Check back later Thursday for Tammie’s conclusion to Caleb’s brain tumor story.


        Meet Caleb's Doctor

        Dr. Amanda Saratsis, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

        Brain Tumor Research at Lurie Children's Hospital

        Modifying the Future

        Research Highlights

        CHOP's Neuro Oncology Program

        Children's Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium (Lead by CHOP)

        Donate to Lurie Children's

        Brain Tumor Research

        General

        Donate to Neurosurgery Work at CHOP



        Photo Credit: Tammie Souza

        DE Chemical Co. Worker Tried Selling Secrets to China: Feds

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        Federal prosecutors say a former employee of a DuPont Co. spin-off has been charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets and sell them to Chinese investors.

        An indictment unsealed this week accuses Jerry Jindong Xu of trying to steal trade secrets regarding sodium cyanide, a chemical used in mining, while working for Chemours Co. The company, spun off from the DuPont Co. in 2015, is the world's largest producer of sodium cyanide.

        Xu, who was arrested in New York in August, remains in federal custody following a sealed bail hearing Tuesday. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

        Officials say Xu was aided by an unnamed co-conspirator, a longtime DuPont employee who left the company in 2014 to open a cyanide and mining consulting business.

        Xu's lawyer did not immediately respond to an email Thursday.



        Photo Credit: Google Maps

        9 Awesome Fall Festivals Around Philly This Month

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        Photo Credit: Center City District

        Robber Wearing Skull Mask Targets Several Stores

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        One man wearing a skull Halloween mask has targeted several stores, and has even struck the same store more than once. NBC10's Deanna Durante has the story, including what police are doing to catch the man.

        Eagles Prepare to Take on Panthers

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        Just hours ahead of game time in Charlotte, Eagles fans who took the trip down to North Carolina are preparing for a hopeful win. NBC10's Keith Jones headed to North Carolina to see how the birds, and the fans, were prepping. For all of our gameday coverage, go to our Eagles page on NBC10.

        NBC10 First Alert Weather: More Clouds, Showers

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        Cooler temperatures hit our region on Thursday, but are the clouds gone? Not quite yet. NBC10 meteorologist Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz has your forecast.

        Habitat for Humanity Welcomes Homeowners in Delaware

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        It was a big day for several families in Delaware on Thursday as they became official homeowners. Now, there's a chance for you to help make this dream come true for others. NBC10's Tim Furlong explains.

        For 75 Years, This Fan Has Followed the Eagles

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        There's a lot at stake for the Eagles on Thursday night in their game against the Panthers, and one fan who has followed the Eagles for decades says he is hopeful. NBC10's Keith Jones has this fan's story.

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