After revealing her battle against stage four lung and brain cancer earlier this year, “Mob Wives” star Angela “Big Ang” Raiola has died. She was 55.
The “Mob Wives” standout passed away early Thursday morning, February 17. “It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01 a.m. Angelia Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home,” the statement, which was posted on Twitter, read. “She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and the closest friends. YOU, (her fans) were some of the most special people in the world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end.”
The death comes after the former bar owner faced many hurdles in her health including undergoing a procedure to have a tumor removed from her throat last April. As previously reported, her sister Janine Detore, even created a Gofundme account in early February to help “pay for cannabis oil, which helps treat pain.” Detore also provided fans with an update on her family member’s condition.
“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,” she wrote. “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.” She continued, “Angela cannot function to work anymore…We all thank you in advance for your prayers & kind wishes. Help Big Ang fight her BIGGEST BATTLE!”
Later on (Feb. 16), the larger than life personality appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show” where she revealed the dire prognosis doctors had given her – a 30 percent chance of survival. “It’s shocking what happened,” she shared. “First I thought I was cancer-free. I was gonna have a big celebration…and then a month later I was stage 4.”
Big Ang, who instantly found fame on VH1’s “Mob Wives” before nabbing two spin-offs and even a role in Scary Movie 5 leaves behind her sister, two children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Railoa’s loved ones. Pay your condolences in the comment section below.
