CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police officers are frequently among the first to respond when people face a crisis. Now, three members of the department are asking the community for support as they battle cancer and require blood donations.
The officers and former officer need blood transfusions as part of their treatment.
Away from their badges, they are mothers, fathers, spouses and friends who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
“I left a regular job and applied to become a police officer. I always wanted to be a policeman. I was a nosy child, and whenever police were around, I was right there. My uncle was a Marine, and I loved the uniform,” Chicago Police Cmdr. Federico Andaverde III said.
Retired Chicago Police Sgt. Kathie Park said she regularly donated blood before becoming ill.
“I hope people understand that donating blood helps so many others, not just those in law enforcement. There is such a shortage. When I was healthy, I donated every six months because I felt it was incredibly important. Now that I am sick and need transfusions, I understand even more how much it helps everyone,” Park said.
Park, Andaverde and Officer Cynthia Rivera all need blood transfusions during portions of their cancer treatment.
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“Five years ago, I found myself sick and unable to donate blood. Over the past two years, things have changed, and in the last two months especially, I have needed many transfusions. Organizing this blood drive was a way to give back and find out whether the community would come together to help us,” Rivera said.
The Chicago Police Department is urging residents to support the blood drive.
A single donation may seem like a small act, but it can give families something they urgently need: additional time, renewed hope and the strength to continue fighting.
“Giving blood where it is needed is a good thing. I did not even realize I had received blood. My wife and I were there, and I was so out of it. They told me they had given me a couple of pints because I was really out of it. I had no memory of receiving the blood,” Andaverde said.
The blood drive runs until 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Donations can be made at two locations: the 25th Police District, 5555 W. Grand Ave., and Chicago Police Department Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave.
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