Cops for Kids with Cancer and Portland Police Stand Behind 14-year-old Will Kenty

PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Police Department and Cops for Kids with Cancer stand with 14-year-old Will Kenty and his family as they battle Hodgkin lymphoma.

On Monday, Feb. 16, several board members from Cops for Kids with Cancer (CFKWC) traveled to Portland to present a $5,500 check to Will Kenty and his family. 

Cops for Kids with Cancer is a non-profit organization that works with local law enforcement agencies to provide funds to families across New England who have children battling cancer.

While many organizations support cancer research, funds from CFKWC are not designated for any specific purpose. Families are welcome to use the funds to defray medical expenses, or to help with the day-to-day costs that lengthy hospital stays and frequent visits incur. 

Will Kenty was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in December 2024. He has undergone chemotherapy at the Maine Children’s Cancer Program but learned in November that his cancer remains present.

Will now faces a stem cell transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital, which will require a four-to-six-week hospital stay, followed by a prolonged recovery period that may include up to 60 days of isolation.

Will faces this journey along with his parents, Tim and Allison Kenty, and his brother James.

Throughout the family’s medical journey, Will has demonstrated remarkable perseverance. He has remained enrolled in school full time and continues to pursue his passions. This past year, he competed with his middle school jazz band at a state festival, earning a Bronze Medal. In May 2025, he was recognized as an “Anthem Hero” by the Portland Sea Dogs in honor of his courageous fight.

Portland Police notified CFKWC of the Kenty family’s battle, and several board members, Portland Police, family and supporters joined the family on Monday during a check presentation at Portland Police Headquarters. 

In attendance from the Portland Police Department were Detective Sgt. Dyer, Detective Sgt. Rand, Detective Lt. Goodman, Detective Rogers, Lt. Doherty, Detective Druan, Detective Rider, Detective Napijalo, Detective Curlee, and Sgt. Hayden. 

Representing the CFKWC Board of Directors were Deputy Chief Gary Hannagan of the Chelmsford (MA) Police Department, Officer Ryan Linehan of the Nashua (NH) Police Department, and Deputy Chief Andrew Booth of the Carlisle (MA) Police Department.

“Today is about standing with the Kenty family, easing even a small part of the burden they are carrying, and reminding them that they are not alone,” said Deputy Chief Hannagan. “The strength Will has shown at just 14 years old is truly inspiring.”

“The presentation in Portland served as a powerful reminder of the law enforcement community’s unwavering commitment to supporting families during their most difficult times,” said Deputy Chief Booth. “Through collective generosity and compassion, CFKWC and its law enforcement partners continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children like Will and their loved ones.”

About Cops for Kids with Cancer:

Cops for Kids with Cancer is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides funds directly to those involved in the care of children with cancer, with each family typically receiving $5,500. There are many organizations raising money for important research, but the goal of Cops for Kids with Cancer is to help the children and their caregivers through this most difficult crisis. Since 2002, Cops for Kids with Cancer has given more than $6.3 million to 1,191 families with children battling cancer. To learn more, visit: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/.