Community Rallies To Support Guilford Resident, Devoted Teacher In Cancer Battle

GUILFORD, CT — The community is rallying to help a Guilford resident and devoted teacher who is battling cancer.

Justin Ottaviano, a general music and band teacher at ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School in Hamden, was recently diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser that was created to support Ottaviano and his family. Ottaviano's wife, J'aime, is also an educator.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had garnered $2,800 out of a $10,000 goal.

"Justin Ottaviano is a devoted teacher, talented musician, loving husband, and father of three who is now facing the toughest challenge of his life," the fundraiser's description says.

"Justin has always been known for his hard work, kindness, and dedication to his students, friends, and community. Now, as he is unable to work, his family is relying on J’aime’s income to cover daily expenses," the fundraiser notes. "The costs of treatment, medications, and maintaining an organic diet and supplements are quickly adding up. Every contribution will help ease the financial burden so Justin can focus on healing and spending time with his loved ones."

ACES Wintergreen Magnet School highlighted Ottaviano in a Facebook post last August before the new school year, saying he had 18 years of experience teaching music at the elementary, middle, high school and college levels.

"He is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and connection through music," the school said.

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.