On April 28, the Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association, in partnership with Cops for Kids with Cancer, presented a ‘big check’ to local teen Nicholas (aka Nick) Claudio of Marion (formally of Mattapoisett), age 15, a sophomore at ORRHS and a cancer survivor.
Traveling from Braintree to be with Nick and to help present the gift was Cops for Kids with Cancer Chairman Robert Faherty, a retired Boston Police officer. Present from the Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association were Officers Turner Ryan, Adalberto Cardoso, Nicholas Lorenco, and Kyle Pavao.
At the age of 9, Nick was diagnosed with brain cancer, his mother Alison Isherwood shared. The disease would eventually rob Nick of his eyesight, but not his spirit. His story was brought to the attention of the Mattapoisett Police Department, which has worked with Cops for Kids with Cancer for the last several years.
Cops for Kids with Cancer is a nonprofit organization started by one police officer, John Dow, of the Boston Police Department. Dow’s personal health issues inspired him to help children suffering from cancer and their families, as he recognized the financial burden heaped on families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Dow, along with fellow police officers, began fundraising in an effort to provide these families with a bit of financial relief. Dow has since passed away, but his work continues, Faherty said.
“There are lots of charities out there that give money to hospitals or research centers, but our organization gives money directly to the families,” Faherty said. Since 2003, the organization has been able to help 450 families with checks in the amount of $5,000.
By partnering with local and state police organizations throughout New England, the group conducts fundraising events. Faherty said, “Ninety percent of all monies raised is passed along to families,” said Faherty.
The Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association held a fundraising golf tournament in October, and the proceeds of that event went towards the gift to Claudio. The association also supports such organizations and activities as Gifts to Give, the Halloween Parade, annual student scholarships, and Breakfast with Santa.
As for Nick, he has high aspirations for the future.
“I’ll maybe do something in law or study political science,” said Claudio.
Isherwood said, years ago, when she sat down with the principal of Old Hammondtown School, she was pleasantly surprised to find herself surrounded by a team prepared to provide her son with the educational services and support he needed to stay in the school system.
That has clearly paid off.
Nick is a student of merit. He is a member of the Junior National Honor Society and currently on the honor roll at ORRHS.
On this day, as he was surrounded by retired and active duty police officers, he no doubt felt their warmth and generosity as he thanked each for the big check. It was also very apparent that the officers were moved by Nick’s bravery.
If you want to learn more about Cops for Kids with Cancer, visit copsforkidswithcancer.org. To learn more about fundraising opportunities with the Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association, visit the department’s Facebook page or contact Officer Nicholas Lorenco at 508-758-4100 ext. 10.
By Marilou Newell
