Police Officers Help Sick Co-Worker
posted 11:29 pm Thu April 17, 2008 - Lynchburg, VA
reporter:
Manuel Quinones
posted by:
Webteam
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Lynchburg Police (web) officers are rallying around an officer who learned this month he has cancer. Officer William Branham is a young man, with a young family. They are raising money for Officer Branham's family.
They don't want them worrying about mounting medical and personal expenses. Friday, they're having a barbecue on Court Street in downtown Lynchburg. They spent hours getting ready for the big barbecue. They say it's the least they can do for a brother in need.
Inv. Jerry Hise, Lynchburg Police - "We have to be there for him and let him know he has a lot of support around him. Not only among his immediate family but we are part of his extended family."
Inv. JT Loyd, Lynchburg Police - "It is just the right thing to do."
In fact, folks at the Lynchburg Police Department have been doing the right thing for co-workers in need for years through the Helping Hands Foundation.
Loyd - "In the era that I was brought up in and the core group of the organization was brought up in, you help one another."
Now it's 26-year-old officer William Branham who needs help. He's fighting for his life at UVA medical center with cancer in his liver, pancreas and colon. Co-workers not only want to help him but also his wife and two very young children.
Loyd - "When it comes to the realization that you have two children under the age of three. And let's face it, the possibility may be that he don't get to watch them grow up."
Hise - "Hopefully we will get some good news. That is what we have in our hopes and prayers for him."
Colleagues say things are not looking good. They hope, at least the family doesn't need to worry about money.
Hise - "Allow them to focus on his health and get him better, if that's on the table."
Loyd - "He was in pretty good spirits. He is a great guy. Have never seen him mad."
The barbecue is right here in front of the police department on Court Street in downtown Lynchburg. Food is served from Friday at 11:00 until it's all gone. All proceeds will go to the Helping Hands Foundation. You can help by donating. Call 434-944-5111 or mail a donation to The Branham Fund, P.O. Box 85, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
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