Cops for Kids with Cancer and Westerly Police Stand Behind 12-year-old DJ Mirles and His Family

WESTERLY — Cops for Kids with Cancer (CFKWC) and the Westerly Police Department were proud to stand behind 12-year-old DJ Mirles and his family as they battle a childhood cancer diagnosis. 

On Friday, Aug. 14, CFKWC Board Member Kevin Calnan visited the Westerly Police Department to present DJ and his family with a check for $5,500 to support their ongoing battle. 

CFKWC 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. 

DJ was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May. Despite facing a serious diagnosis and an intensive treatment schedule, DJ remains determined to begin the school year at Westerly Middle School this September. He continues to find joy in spending time with his three older brothers, reading Manga, particularly Naruto, and listening to his favorite artist, Kendrick Lamar.

Before DJ’s diagnosis, his family had been managing financially. However, the demands of his medical treatment have created significant financial hardship. DJ’s extensive medical appointments and six weeks of daily radiation treatments have required family members to miss work, adding another burden to an already challenging situation.

The $5,500 donation from Cops for Kids with Cancer is intended to help ease some of that financial pressure and allow DJ’s family to concentrate on what matters most, his health, treatment, recovery, and well-being.

“When a child is diagnosed with something as serious as a brain tumor, the family should be able to focus on their child and not have to worry about how they are going to make ends meet because of the financial impact of treatment,” said Kevin Calnan, Board Member of Cops for Kids with Cancer. “DJ is an incredibly courageous young man, and we are honored to be able to support him and his family during this difficult journey. Our hope is that this donation provides some relief and lets the family focus their energy where it belongs, on DJ.”

Cops for Kids with Cancer remains committed to supporting children battling cancer and other serious illnesses and providing assistance to families when they need it most. The organization understands that a child’s illness affects the entire family, and its mission is to provide financial assistance, hope, and relief during some of the most challenging moments a family can face. The organization is grateful to the Westerly Police Department for welcoming CFKWC and helping bring attention to DJ and his family.

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 $6.6 million to 1,241 families with children battling cancer. To learn more, visit: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/.