Morris Co. Cops Rally Around Officer's Daughter With Cancer

MADISON, NJ — Local police organizations are rallying together to help one of their own: 11-year-old Hannah Cerullo, daughter of a Morris County Sheriff's officer, who is currently fighting stage four cancer.

Police organizations from around the county have come together to help the Cerullo family in the form of blood drives, fundraisers, and online donation campaigns. Mike Cerullo, Hannah's dad, is a detective with the Morris County Sheriff's Office.

After complaining of stomach pain several months ago, Hannah was admitted to Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center, where doctors found a baseball-sized mass on her kidney. Doctors removed the mass and the kidney, and Hannah was diagnosed with stage four Wilms Tumor, a cancer that starts in the kidney but had spread to her lungs and liver.

"Although the treatments have proven to be effectively attacking the cancers, they are also taking a toll on Hannah. Since diagnosis, she has been in and out of the hospital on a regular basis undergoing transfusions, getting boosters and treating fevers," Jessalyn Mahen wrote in a fundraiser for the family.

The Italian American Police Society of N.J. has organized direct blood donations for Hannah at Morristown Medical center. Anyone who is type A+ or O- can set up an appointment for a direct donation by calling (973) 971-7444.

Morris County Park Police has promoted a "pop-socket" phone holder fundraiser to benefit the family. Organizer Rosemary Brown is selling the device for $10 each, with all proceeds benefiting the family. You can find more information on the Morris County Park Police's Facebook.

Madison NJ PBA 92 is holding their second annual bowling fundraiser in honor of Hannah. A portion of all fund raised will go to the Cerullo family; click here for more information.

Support hasn't been limited to just police officers; the Brooklawn School community, where Hannah is a student, have come together to support the sixth grader. Teachers from Brooklawn and Parsippany High squared off against Sheriff's officers in a benefit basketball game earlier this year.

"The Cerullo family cannot begin to express their gratitude regarding the outpouring of support given by family, friends and community members while they once again go face to face in a battle against cancer," Mahen said. "This time it is their sweet Hannah Girl, Warrior Princess."

Image via Frank Cahill, posted to Patch