100 Pies In Face: Money Raised For Joliet Police Officer

SHOREWOOD, IL — ATI Physical Therapy Clinic Director Jeff Lyon spent a good portion of his Thursday taking whipped cream pies to his face, all for a good cause.

Lyon's ATI Physical Therapy at 613 West Jefferson St. in Shorewood organized the "Pie In The Eye" fund-raiser to help the family of ailing Joliet police officer Joe Hernandez.

The 36-year-old Hernandez has been battling esophagus cancer since last year, and the cancer has spread to his stomach lining. Hernandez was not able to attend Thursday's event. Earlier this summer, Joliet's Police Department notified Patch that Hernandez has been granted a disability pension by the pension board.

When Lyon first walked into his ATI Physical Therapy parking lot, he was under the impression he would take about 50 pies in the face. When the event began around 11 a.m., the donations meant he had to take at least 100 pies to the face.

"We all know Joe, and he's a great guy," Lyon told Joliet Patch. "He's a family man and a great husband, and we like to support our local community. We treat a lot of Joliet police, so that's like family to us."

Lyon said he's been in the community for 20 years, "and when we can help people, we do."

Thursday's parking lot fund-raiser lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"It's a two-hour window and a lot of Joliet officers are going to be coming," Lyon said.

In years past, Lyon said he's taken pies to the face for other fundraisers organized by ATI Physical Therapy. However, his previous record number of pies was 22.

"It's a lot of fun, and it's for a great cause," he remarked. "We're at 100 pies now. It's very awesome."

Joliet Patch previously reported there is also a GoFundMe established to help Officer Hernandez and his family. To read that story, go here.