ADAMS, Mass. — Lucas Solak, an 8-year-old boy battling leukemia, received a $5,000 check from Cops for Kids with Cancer on Tuesday, bringing support to his family during a challenging time.

 

"We feel incredibly blessed and incredibly lucky, and it has been across the board. We have had so much support," said his mother Jen Solak. "We're just incredibly grateful because we are traveling across the state like four times a month. Eight times this coming month."

 

She said the entire community has rallied around Lucas with support from the AYJ Fund, PopCares, Palliative Care of the Berkshires, and a Hoosac Valley Elementary fundraiser where anyone at the school could throw a pie at various teachers’ and administrators' faces. This fundraiser was organized by Police Officer Nick Dabrowski who was the one who contacted Cops for Kids with Cancer.

 

"This is why we became police officers, to help people," Dabrowski said. "My wife is going through cancer, and I got a call asking if I could sponsor this kid. I did not have to do anything beyond that. I am honored to help them. They are a great family."

 

And now, Cops for Kids with Cancer has stepped in to offer some more support.

 

"The idea that it's law enforcement is protecting and serving everywhere," said Kevin Calnan, a retired officer and representative with Cops for Kids with Cancer. "We try to show the good side of law enforcement."

 

The organization originated with the Boston Police Department and the Irish An Garda Siochana raising money for families with children struggling with cancer. They officially became a charity in 2002 and eventually expanded to all of New England 

 

He said 99 percent of the money donated goes back to children. 

 

"Everyone is a volunteer. There's only two people on payroll and that's the accountant and the webmaster," he said.

 

He said typically social workers from hospitals recommend children to them. Sometimes local police officers recommend children as well.