Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola died early Thursday morning. The star of Mob Wives on VH1 had been hospitalized for stage four lung and brain cancer.
Her publicist, Vinnie Medugno took to Twitter to announce the star’s death.
It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends. YOU, (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end. She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy, and peace during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say “Love you my babies!” This page will remain open as a celebration of who she was and will always be. It has been my esteemed privilege, and honor to represent he in the highest regard via social media.
Last year she was diagnosed with a lemon-sized tumor in her throat in March and underwent surgery again in June. On the current and final season of Mob Wives, Big Ang was given a clean bill of health and instructions on a new healthy regime. Since the taping of the show, her heath declined rapidly.
Her sister, Janine Detore created a GoFundMe page seeking $25,000 for alternative cures because the current treatments were not working at the time.
“My sister was diagnosed with stage four brain and lung cancer. Chemotherapy was started January 5th. On January 26th the doctor reviewed her CT scan and informed us that the treatment was not working, and in fact one tumor grew larger and the other tumors had no change. We were advised that she would start immunotherapy the following week. Well here we are at the emergency room waiting to see why her breathing is labored and the amount of pain she is having is by far more than she could handle. So I suggested cannabis oil as an alternative. This is why I am putting up this go fund me to try to help my sister to get this oil to help her at least be pain free. Angela cannot function to work anymore.”
She later appeared on Dr. Oz to discuss her battle. She admitted that she was having a difficult time. “It’s destroying me, I can’t believe what I look like.”
After her appearance on the show, a long time friend, Karen Gravano took to Instagram in support of her friend.
“I watched Ang on Dr. Oz and it just breaks my heart to see her going through this… Me Carla Renee and Jen went to visit her the other day and although I wish I can tell you she’s doing great I can’t but I will say this Angela is a fighter there were a lot of tears a lot of laughter and a lot of real bonding moments it was great for us to just let our guards down and enjoy each others company without cameras in ours faces… That visit made me realize how strong this woman really is and no matter what she’s going through she always puts her love for her family before anything!!! she puts on a brave face and a little makeup of course her eyelashes and she fights The battle for her life with dignity and grace and for that I will always admire her & value our Friendship…. #fuckcancer #prayersforbigang tomorrow is never promised for anyone so live each day Surrounded with people that love & support you and enjoy Gods plan @biggangvh1 love you you got this.”
Rest in peace Big Ang!
– Emily Aikens
