Mob Wives star Big Ang died in the early hours of Thursday, February 18, after battling stage IV lung and brain cancer, her friend Vinnie Medugno confirmed via the star’s Twitter account, on behalf of her family. The reality personality was 55.
“It is with sad regret that at 3:01 a.m., Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home,” Medugno wrote on behalf of Big Ang’s family. “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.”
The message goes on to express gratitude for all the support the reality star received while ill. “Thank you for your love, prayers and unconditional support of Angela right up to the very end,” Medugno wrote. “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.”
This is @vinniemedugno on behalf of the family of Angela Raiola, please see below: pic.twitter.com/wiuPApr9Lw
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 18, 2016
Paying tribute to Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola, her friend added, “In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say, ‘Love you my babies!'”
In December, ET confirmed that Raiola’s throat cancer had returned.
Several months earlier, in March 2015, a lemon-size tumor was discovered and removed from her throat. Later in June, she underwent the same procedure for the right side of her throat as well. She was later diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer.
In February, Raiola’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help with her doctor fees, raising over $45,000 in two weeks.
Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola also revealed on The Dr. Oz Show that she had left her husband, Neil Murphy, as she continued her cancer battle. “I felt like he never stepped up to the plate, so I was done with it,” she said. “Now, it’s too late. I would rather be by myself. I would rather be alone.”
Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola also expressed gratitude for her children on the program, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, how would I get through this?”
Agencies/Canadajournal