ABOUT US

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Todd Willever was born and raised in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey as the youngest of five children. His late father, Cliff owned a small tool and die business and spent over 3 decades as a volunteer firefighter. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the Commissioner of the Colonial Fire Department. His late mother, Patti, an ATT operator, was a member of numerous volunteer organizations, including the Colonial, the Mercer County, and the State Ladies Auxiliaries, often serving as president. As the wife and mother of firefighters, her passion was the firefighter support organization, Signal 22.

 

In 1994, Todd followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a firefighter in the Trenton Fire Department in New Jersey. His dedication to the job as well as to the City of Trenton allowed him to rise through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain to Battalion Chief and finally Deputy Chief. Following his parents community-minded example, Todd ensured firefighters knew the importance of giving back to the community they served. As a union officer, he organized toy drives, book and backpack giveaways, and community holiday meals. 

 

Todd married former teacher turned children’s book author, Lisa Funari in 1997. They lived in Trenton for ten years, eventually moving to Mansfield Township, New Jersey where they currently reside with their children, Jessica, Patrick, and Timothy.

 

On May 4, 2022, Todd received devastating news. Two strange episodes he had experienced weeks earlier were actually a Glioblastoma brain tumor, commonly referred to as a GBM. Battling the most lethal brain tumor would be the fight of his life, for his life. Lisa and their kids immediately researched all of the options, dismayed by the 12-15 month prognosis and lack of effective treatments.

 

Shortly after his brain surgery and release from the hospital, Todd started the Standard of Care (SOC) which was radiation and chemotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. About this time, Lisa read several articles about a treatment at UCLA called DCVax-L and Todd became a patient at both hospitals. 

 

In August 2024, after being stable for a remarkable 29 months, an MRI detected a recurrence. In October 2024, with no SOC for a recurring GBM, Todd and Lisa drove from New Jersey to California for the chance to enroll in the DCVAX trial. After several screenings, he was deemed eligible and was enrolled. Dr. Linda Liau will remove his tumor during surgery and UCLA will create a personalized, non-toxic vaccine. The family is optimistic that this incredible immunotherapy will provide Todd with decades of good health and no side effects.

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