DPW Workers Band Together for One of Their Brothers

Sean Cullen has a lot of people in his corner.

The 26-year old Paramus DPW worker, husband and father of two young boys is battling Hodgkin's Lymphona and his fellow employees are making sure he and his family are getting all the support they need.

Fellow DPW worker Karl Vander Sluis spearheaded efforts along with Gary Dasilva and Kevin Osiadicz to put together a fundraiser in Cullen's honor.

"We're all brothers," says Dasilva about his fellow DPW employees. "We live there more than we do at home. We have to take care of each other."

Vander Sluis says when Cullen, a resident of Saddle Brook, was recently diagnosed he knew it meant longterm treatment and with no available sick time or vacation time left it meant no income.

Many of the fellow DPW workers have donated some unused sick time to Cullen but Vander Sluis says they felt there was more they could do. Taking into consideration the expense of treatments he is getting at Sloan Kettering and travel back and forth to New York as a result, they came together to organize this fundraiser. 

"He is the kind of guy that goes out of his way for you," says Osiadicz of Cullen.

Vander Sluis echoes the same feelings. "He is always there when you need help," he says referring to the DPW's annual food drive which they do for the town food pantry which Cullen is always happy to assist with.

Osaidicz says Cullen is just like any family guy working hard to support his wife Ruthe and their two boys Sean Junior, 2 years old, and Jack Jameson, 1 years old. Cullen also works in security at Garden State Plaza mall and does landscaping work as well. Vander Sluis says his co-workers at the mall security are also working to support Cullen by selling wristlets as a benefit for him.

The Paramus communty has really pitched in to help. Dasilva says they have received a tremendous amount of support from local and area businesses who have contributed to this event and they are grateful for the support.

Cullen is extremely grateful for what his fellow brothers are doing for him. He is thankful for their generosity, love and support and he hopes to come back to work as soon as possible.

The pasta dinner event is set for Saturday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Paramus Elks, 200 Route 17 North (behind Raymour & Flannigan). Tickets cost $25 and proceeds will benefit Sean Cullen. There will also be a Tricky Tray which various local businesses donated items to be auctioned off and a 50/50 raffle. Call Karl at 201-522-0493 or DPW office at 201-265-2100, ext. 658 for tickets.

Donations will also be accepted. Checks should be made out to Sean Michael Cullen. Call Karl at 201-522-0492 for more information on where to send donations.