When children face cancer, healing extends beyond doctors’ offices and treatment rooms. In Colorado, law enforcement officers are stepping up to make a tangible difference in young patients’ lives. Through Cops Fighting Cancer (CFC), officers and civilian volunteers unite to provide crucial financial relief, practical assistance, and emotional support—ensuring that families can focus on what matters most: helping their children fight and thrive.
The Birth of Cops Fighting Cancer
In 1987, Officer James Seneca was just two weeks into police academy training when he was diagnosed with leukemia at age 26. Six grueling months of chemotherapy left him physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Surrounded by caregivers who extended compassion during his darkest days, Seneca vowed to pay it forward. He founded Cops Fighting Cancer as a way for law enforcement—and the community—to rally around families confronting cancer. What began as one man’s pledge to be a force for hope has grown into a statewide network of officers and volunteers committed to helping Colorado cancer patients and their loved ones.
Financial Lifelines: The CFC Fund
One of CFC’s most powerful tools is the CFC Fund, which provides one-time grants of up to $1,000 to families facing a cancer-related crisis. Whether a parent has lost income due to intensive treatment, a child’s hospital bills are piling up, or utilities are in danger of being shut off, CFC steps in to cover “everyday” expenses—rent, groceries, car payments, and more—so families can keep their focus on healing. Referrals typically come from local law enforcement officers who recognize when a family’s financial stability is on the line. Once approved, funds are disbursed within days, delivering immediate relief when it’s needed most.
Emotional Anchors: Officers as Compassionate Confidants
A cancer diagnosis can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially for the parents of a child with cancer. CFC volunteers—many of whom are sworn officers—know this all too well. They offer a listening ear during late-night hospital vigils, drop off toys and snacks to brighten a child’s day, and simply sit with families who need someone to lean on. In the midst of lab results and treatment schedules, these moments of human connection remind families they are not alone. By showing up in uniform, officers signal that their community stands behind them—providing more than just financial aid but genuine empathy and encouragement.
Raising Awareness: The Colorado Childhood Cancer License Plate
Beyond direct assistance, CFC is a driving force behind Colorado’s Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate. Through persistent advocacy, CFC helped introduce a specialty gold ribbon plate that raises public visibility for pediatric cancer. Every purchase sends a clear message: “We see you, and we support you.” Proceeds from the license plate are split between CFC and the Morgan Adams Foundation, amplifying the impact by funding both financial assistance and cutting-edge research. The sight of golden plates on Colorado highways serves as a daily reminder that communities care and are mobilizing resources for kids battling cancer.
Community Engagement: Events and Partnerships
CFC doesn’t just write checks—it builds community. Officers and volunteers host family-friendly benefit events throughout the year, from charity fundraisers to awareness drives. Collaborations with local law enforcement agencies, businesses, and schools create a web of support spanning urban and rural areas alike. These gatherings raise funds for the CFC Fund, foster camaraderie among families who often feel isolated, and shine a spotlight on the resilience of children facing cancer. In partnering with local police departments, CFC reminds the public that officers care deeply about families in their own communities.
The Role of Volunteers: Law Enforcement and Civilians Side by Side
Cops Fighting Cancer’s volunteer base is unique: it includes patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and civilian supporters—all united by a shared mission. Officers leverage their connections with community organizations and businesses to secure sponsorships, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours. Meanwhile, civilians bring complementary skills: event planning, fundraising, and administrative support. Together, they form a powerful alliance, each playing a distinct role in identifying families in need, coordinating fund distribution, and spreading awareness. This cohesive partnership exemplifies how a cross-sector volunteer network can amplify its impact.
How to Get Involved: Joining the Mission
There are multiple ways to support CFC’s mission of law enforcement-led compassion. You can:
- Volunteer Your Time: Become a CFC volunteer and help organize events, deliver care packages, or serve as a liaison between families and resource providers.
- Donate Financially: Every dollar contributed to the CFC Fund translates into immediate help for families facing urgent bills.
- Purchase a Gold Ribbon License Plate: Show your solidarity on the road while contributing to CFC’s and Morgan Adams Foundation’s programs.
Partner with CFC: Local businesses and organizations can sponsor events, match employee donations, or host fundraising drives to expand CFC’s reach.
If you’re in Colorado and want to learn more you can contact us online, call CFC at (720) 938-3810 or email info@copsfightingcancer.org.