Taunton Child with Cancer to Receive $5K from Police Association

TAUNTON — The family of a four-month-old child diagnosed with cancer is receiving a substantial financial donation from a nationwide police association.

Holly Rodrigues was diagnosed in January with bilateral retinoblastoma, a condition that causes tumors to form in both eyes of a child. Holly, only four months old, has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy to treat the diagnosis. A GoFundMe page to raise funds for Holly's treatments reports that her tumors have reduced in size significantly since she received chemotherapy.

In an effort to support the family, the Taunton Police Department sponsored the Rodrigues family's application to Cops for Kids with Cancer. The association, which raises money through fundraising events across the country, is awarding the Rodrigues family with $5,000 to assist with Holly's treatment costs.

"It is the philosophy of the Taunton Police Department to serve our community and that service can be achieved though [sic] many paths," Taunton Chief of Police Ed Walsh said. "It has been our privilege to sponsor this application and continue to work with the Rodrigues family to assist them with all of their needs."

The donation will be presented Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Taunton Police Department. Holly, along with parents Diana and Bob and big sister Hannah, will be in attendance.

The GoFundMe page in support of Holly's treatment has raised nearly $12,000 from donors.