NJ Cops March19 | Page 68

Passaic County Prosecutor’s Officers raise hope for the Hymans Whenever PBA members rock facial scruff in the month of November, there’s a good chance that officers are support- ing a worthy cause. But members of Pas- saic County Prosecutor’s Office Local 265’s campaign for No-Shave November had a different mission than would be expected. Instead of raising awareness for men’s health, the Local 265 members ditched their razors to raise hope for the Hymans, a family faced with unimag- inable health challenges this year. It started in July, when 4-year-old Cameron Hyman was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a genetic disor- der that renders cells unable to function properly. This rare condition affects ev- erything from sleep to speech and even movement. It currently has no cure. As if the news of this diagnosis wasn’t enough to endure, Cameron’s mother, Christi- na, was diagnosed with breast cancer one week later. While Christina received treatment at the Sloan Kettering Can- cer Center, her husband, Rob, travelled across the country to meet with doctors who specialize in Cameron’s condition. When Local 265 learned about the Hymans’ story, members decided that they wanted to do something to help. Starting on Nov. 1, 30 members vowed to forgo shaving for 30 days by donat- ing $30 to help the Hymans. By the end of the month, the amount raised far outgrew the facial hair of the members participating, as Local 265 reached its fundraising goal of $10,000 for one very deserving family. Denville makes the climb for a cause Any time a PBA member is in need of support, the blue family in law enforce- ment responds without hesitation. When Denville Local 142 found out that one of its members was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), members began step- ping up to participate in a fundraiser that raises money for vital medical research to help find a cure — and they’re asking PBA Locals across the state to join them. Local 142 members have partnered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to participate in the CF Climb, to be held on May 4 at MetLife Stadium in honor of Local 142 Vice President Chris Ordway. Each year, CF Foundation supporters, advocates, patients and family mem- bers take on the CF Climb challenge of ascending endless flights of stairs at tall buildings and stadium sites across the country. Last year, the climb raised $1.5 million across the nation to help support lifesaving research, care and education programs. 68 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MARCH 2019 Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening ge- netic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Before the CF Founda- tion was created in 1955, children diag- nosed with the disease rarely lived past the age of 5. There has been a lot of medi- cal advancement since then, but still only 50 percent of victims live past the age of 44. Local 142 is asking all PBA Locals to come out to support this important cause by raising a minimum of $100 to participate in the CF Climb. All law en- forcement officers will have their regis- tration fee waived by using the code CU- RECF. Enjoy a day touring the NY Giants’ and Jets’ locker rooms, taking pictures on the field and showing a fellow PBA mem- ber that he is not alone in the fight. “Together we are working to find a cure for cystic fibrosis,” stated the Local 142 executive board, “and to also provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding May 4 The Cystic Fibrosis Climb MetLife Stadium 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford 11 a.m. For information, visit fightcf.cff.org/metlifeclimb, or contact Denville Local 142 President Joseph Morgan, Vice President Chris Ordway or State Delegate Kristian Sandman research and drug development, pro- moting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, special- ized care.”