Moorestown|News|
7-Year-Old's Tragic Battle Against Illness Inspires Others
An autoimmune disease took Sean Fischel from his family too soon. Now they're doing everything they can to ensure his memory, and his spirit, lives on.

Rob has been a reporter for roughly six years. In 2003, he graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in communication with a focus in media writing. After college, he began working at The Danville News, a small daily newspaper in Central Pennsylvania. Later, he moved up to their larger sister paper, The Daily Item. Most recently, Rob worked as the political reporter at the Gloucester County Times. He just moved to New Jersey last fall and is still getting used to the quirks of the Garden State: full-service gas stations and being able to buy beer and wine in the same store. He's new to Moorestown and is eager to make Patch's presence here even stronger.
Our Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that their beliefs are on the record will cause them to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I suppose the easiest way to answer this question is I tend to be socially liberal and fiscally centrist. My view on politics - from watching it, reading it and covering it - is there seems to be a level of detachment between the people who govern and the governed. Not as much at the local level, but at the state and certainly the federal levels. That's why you see so many polls reflecting the populace's growing lack of faith in their representatives.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I was raised Roman Catholic, went to church every Sunday and attended Catholic school for seven years. But I now find that, while I appreciate the role organized religion plays in many people's lives, it's not for me. That's not to say I'm not religious. I believe in … something. But I see merit in every faith.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
The liquor referendum. Everyone's talking about it and the debate seems to revolve around two ideas cast in opposition: The town's "character" vs. dollars and cents. What wins out?
Teacher contracts. It's only a couple weeks till school starts and still no resolution. When will it come? And what will the long-term implications of the new contract be?
The new municipal building/library/police department.
An autoimmune disease took Sean Fischel from his family too soon. Now they're doing everything they can to ensure his memory, and his spirit, lives on.

Who are the new owners? What will it be called? What month is it expected to (re)open? Read on to find out.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the first non-European pope in a millennia and the first-ever Latin American pontiff. What do you think of the selection?
Seven-year-old Sean Fischel, of Moorestown, lost his battle against hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, but leaves behind a legacy of love.
Seven-year-old Sean Fischel, of Moorestown, lost his battle against hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, but leaves behind a legacy of love.
Cinnaminson Township administrator Frank Locantore said the owners are in the process of prepping the site for demolition.
Though it ended in tragedy, 7-year-old Sean Fischel's fight against hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) inspired everyone around him.
Though it ended in tragedy, 7-year-old Sean Fischel's fight against hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) inspired everyone around him.
Lutheran Social Ministries is seeking funding for the senior housing complex, including one source that could cover roughly 70 percent of the cost, says a spokesman.
Also, Moorestown Police say two Philadelphia men used counterfeit cash to go on a shopping spree at the Moorestown Mall.
Sean Fischel died at the age of 7 of a rare disorder. His family and his doctors are determined to make sure his death was not in vain.
Sean Fischel, of Moorestown, died at the age of 7 of a rare disorder. His family and his doctors are determined to make sure his death was not in vain.
Maple Shade Police are seeking the public's help in solving a string of copper thefts.
The real estate agency will move its offices down the road, while a local entrepreneur takes steps to preserve the 19th century property.
A memorial service for Arthur Kenneth Peacock will be held next week.
Township administrator Frank Locantore says he's trying to get information out to residents who have sustained flood damage in recent years.
Also, Mount Laurel Police arrest two more alleged DWI drivers for the price of one.
The board voted 7-1 to approve the budget, and the sole dissenter says they can do more to bring taxes down.
Circle of Friends brings back the John Byrne Band for another pre-St. Patrick's Day show featuring traditional Irish folk music.
The board of education approved a tentative budget Tuesday that will raise taxes $107—below the 2 percent cap—on the average assessed home.