Officer Joe Hernandez: Pie In The Eye Fund-Raiser Set

SHOREWOOD, IL — ATI Physical Therapy is organizing a fund-raising event for Joliet Police Officer Joe Hernandez. The 36-year-old patrol officer was diagnosed last year with esophageal cancer, and the cancer has spread to his stomach lining.

Hernandez is a son, husband and father to three boys, event organizers noted.

"Joe's PTO has run out and is no longer collecting his full salary. Come join us to raise money for Joe and his family," the ATI Physical Therapy fund-raiser announced.

At 11 a.m. on Sept. 2, ATI Physical Therapy clinic director Jeff Lyon will take a pie to the face for every $20 donation. There will also be a donation jar as well as Blue Line stickers for $1 and Blue Line bracelets for $5.

Shorewood's ATI Physical Therapy is at 613 West Jefferson St.

All proceeds will go to Joe Hernandez's family to help them offset their financial burdens.

Hernandez has not been able to work at the Joliet Police Department since last October. Joliet Police Department officials notified Patch that Hernandez has been granted a disability pension by the pension board.

On Aug. 7, Joliet Patch reported there is also a $50,000 GoFundMe set up for Hernandez called "Joe's Journey from Cop to Cancer."

So far, more than $28,200 has been raised through the GoFundMe thanks to 288 donations. To read that story, go here.