Friends delivering help to ailing postal worker

BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

John Droppa, an employee at the Monroe Post Office, has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments since being diagnosed with leukemia five years ago and is awaiting a stem cell transplant. His friends and colleagues are raising funds to aid his family while he is out of work. MONROE - It is said that when you need something, you find out who your friends really are.

John Droppa has found that he has more friends than he ever thought possible. A group called Friends of John Droppa, composed of mostly his coworkers at the Monroe post office, has rallied around the cause of helping their friend in a time of need.

"It's just an overwhelming thing," Droppa said. "I just can't believe how big it got, and how much people are doing."

Droppa was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) five years ago. He has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments since then, and is due for a stem-cell transplant. A donor has been located, but Droppa has to wait.

"I've had one setback after another, and [doctors] can't keep me healthy enough to get the treatment," Droppa said.

Recuperation time for the transplant usually lasts from six months to a year. The post office does not offer paid disability benefits for employees.

While Droppa has accrued time off through sick days and annual leave, much of it has been used up due to his illness. Soon, he will have to depend on coworkers to donate their annual leave so that he won't go unpaid during his recovery time, Droppa said.

Despite his illness, Droppa continues to work when he can. He serves as an inspiration to those who see him reporting to work, and even working overtime if needed, said Annette Meyer, coworker and chairwoman of the group.

Droppa has been with the U.S. Postal Service for 17 years, five of which were in Monroe. He lives with his wife, Wendy, and two daughters, Christina, 11, and Nicole, 9, in Freehold Township.

Droppa's supervisor, Bridget Zelinski, said she is amazed with his devotion, at work as well as at home.

"He's a very dedicated family man," Zelinski said. "He's very concerned about his wife and children, and less concerned about himself."

Friends of John Droppa have been raising money for his cause in several ways. A wine-tasting event was recently organized by coworker Paul Fatum at the Spotswood Firehouse. The group has also planned a tricky tray fundraiser, and letter carriers have solicited donations from residents along their routes.

"That's something about this office. From the postmaster on down, they're unbelievable," Droppa said.

Droppa's friends think just as highly of him.

"He's just an amazing man, one of the better men I've met in my entire life," Zelinski said.

The Friends of John Droppa tricky tray will be held tomorrow at the Holy Trinity Parish Center, 100 Main St., Helmetta. Doors open at 2 p.m., and first call will be at 4 p.m. sharp. A $10 donation includes a sheet of tickets, along with coffee and dessert. Other food items will be available for purchase.

All proceeds will go to Droppa and his family. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Annette Meyer at (732) 947-8994.