Community Shows Up in Force for Freehold Teacher Fighting Cancer Before Holiday Treatment
A huge crowd of thousands came together on December 24, 2024, to show support for Brian McNamara, a 44-year-old Freehold Township High School teacher fighting head and neck cancer. “It’s going to be brutal, but he wants to fight,” Jodi McNamara said.
A long line of cars wound through township streets packed with people holding signs — parents, students, and staff all showing up for McNamara. Former and current students joined the car parade. People packed the streets, holding up signs and cheering as each car drove by.
The community pulled together and raised $51,000 through GoFundMe in just weeks to help with growing medical bills. Local businesses helped out too, bringing snacks and drinks for everyone there. Five hundred people have stepped up to donate money to help. Three nearby restaurants made sure everyone at the rally had food.
McNamara started at Brick Township High School before becoming a history teacher and football coach at Freehold Township. His son now plays on the same field where he coaches.
McNamara first knew something was wrong when his face went numb and his vision got blurry. Tests in November 2024 revealed the bad news. Now he’s facing tough rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The symptoms got worse over time. In early November, he got the news no one wants to hear. His battle begins right after Christmas. The medical team has put together an eight-week plan to fight the cancer. Doctors say he has a 50-50 chance of beating the aggressive cancer. His treatment, which includes chemotherapy and radiation, began on Dec. 26 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The money raised helps pay for both treatments and regular trips to New York City. While insurance covers some costs, the community’s help fills important gaps in McNamara’s medical bills.
