Lemont Police continue their efforts to help battle cancer

In 2007 I accepted a role that I never saw coming in my book of life, but now a role that I would never ever want written out of it. I was sworn in as Lemont Police Chaplain in June of 2007, and over the past 12 1/2 years I have grown to have a deep appreciation and love for the committed spirits and hearts of those who serve and protect our corner of the world, as well as those whose doors we arrive at offering compassion, guidance, and strength in support by the determination and vow to be present and accountable for others, and ourselves.

Just 10 years later I witnessed their outstanding commitment and compassion when my husband was the recipient of one of their many acts of compassion, strength, presence and support. In the Fall of 2017 my husband was diagnosed with throat cancer. He was led towards a very radical and risky surgery and forced to step away from his job, without pay, during the time of surgery and recovery. The officers asked Chief Maton if they could participate in No-Shave November to rally emotional support and financial donations for him. Chief Maton relaxed the grooming requirements for that time period so they could participate in their efforts of rallying support.

No-Shave November started in the US in 2009 and rallies men to grow a beard, encouraging them
to refrain from any hair trimming, cutting, or grooming, and asks participants to donate money they would have normally spent on grooming to those battling cancer.

My husband came through his surgery and recovery and I fully feel the emotional support offered to him by my brothers and sisters in blue helped that to be possible. The picture you see of him with the officers was on a very pain filled day a week after the radical surgery, and on a day that he would not have even considered moving from room to room let alone leaving the house to pose for a picture; yet his deep gratitude and respect for those who were offering their unconditional support, barely knowing him, gave him strength in spirit.

In 2018 the Lemont Police Department decided they would like to assist once again and asked me to refer to them another they could rally support for. I gave them the name and story of Brian Sladek. My officers fell in complete admiration and respect for this man and this family, and their battle. We had the family visit the department and gave Brian's 4 year old twins a tour of the department. The officers grew their hair and made their donations and offered that financial and emotional support to a beautiful family within our arm's reach.

This year our department once again asked me to refer to them a family to support. I didn't have one name to give them....I have three. I suggested that we rally support for three women here in our community all battling different cancers, but all who were desperately needing support of their community to move into, and through, these battles. The officers met and discussed this and asked Chief Maton if they could rally their financial support for three months instead of one. Chief Maton supported their efforts and allowed them to be "hairy" for November, December and January, then they upped their game and asked if they could continue their donations through February to help the Lemont Police Department St. Baldrick's Fundraising effort that we now have participated in for 9 years. These officers donate to stay unshaved. It might be fun in the beginning but after four months many of them are just about done with the whole beard thing, however, they are determined to raise as much money as they can for those they have committed to help.

The Lemont women the Lemont Police Department are rallying donations for are all moms, all reside in our Lemont community, all in a fierce battle (breast cancer, bone cancer, pancreatic cancer), all in need of the support of their community to have strength and support for their families, and themselves.

Lemont Police Department will once again join efforts with the Lemont Fire Protection District family on Sunday March 8th in the St. Baldrick's Bolingbrook Fundraising Event under "TeamHOPE". We have been humbled to join efforts with our Lemont Fire officers and community members helping to raise funds to battle and beat pediatric cancer. I have been humbled and privileged to offer the opening prayer for this event over my fire and police family and all of those who gather to do what they can as they are able.

Speaking of "doing what you can as you are able" this opportunity to support those in our community battling cancer and our Lemont Police Officers in their efforts will be available for ALL to join in on Monday February 24th!!!

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria has offered to donate 50% of all of their dine in food sales from 5-9pm on Monday February 24th to the Lemont Police Department's efforts to end the battles with cancer as they end their time of growing beards and on March 8th shaving hair!

If you would like to support the Lemont Police in their No Shave and St. Baldrick's efforts you can offer a donation at the Lemont Police Department through February (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) or join us at Gelsosomo's Pizzeria, 206 Main St, Lemont, on Monday February 24th from 5-9pm for pizza, ribs, briskets, sandwiches or so much more and have 50% of your meal offered to their efforts.

On a personal note I have to tell you that the blessing of being called to be Chaplain to this department of men and women has been one of the highlights of my life. They are so very committed to our corner of the world and I have been completely blessed to be an eye witness to their compassion for those they protect and serve while they work, and on their own time.

Please join me in supporting them in their efforts to support those who are in a battle that they cannot protect them from, but they can and have arrived at the door to offer what they can as they are able.

I am so very proud of my Lemont Police Department brothers and sisters in blue.

#noshavenovember #noshavedecember #noshavejanuary #stbaldricksbolingbrook #TeamHope

#LemontPoliceDepartment #BluePride #proudChaplain

Wishing you peace,
Chaplain Terri

Terri O’Neill-Borders

Email- terri@hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com

Website- www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com

Wordpress- http://hopeandfriendshipfoundation.wordpress.com/

Hope and Friendship Foundation
721 Hickory St, Lemont, IL 60439
630-816-4972

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31: 8-9