Cops for Kids with Cancer and Acton Police Stand Behind 3-year-old Henry Costigan

ACTON — Cops for Kids with Cancer (CFKWC) and Acton Police were proud to stand behind 3-year-old Henry Costigan and his family as they presented the family with a $5,500 check to support their ongoing battle with Leukemia. 

Earlier this year, Acton Police Officer Stephen McCarthy nominated the Costigan family to receive support from CFKWC because Henry was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) on February 12.

Henry is undergoing treatment at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Hospital. Henry’s treatment has required frequent medical appointments and has created significant emotional and financial strain for the family as they navigate the challenges associated with his ongoing care.

In late April, Henry and his family were invited to the Acton Police Department, where they met Officer McCarthy and other representatives of Acton Police, including K9 Zane. Representing the  CFKWC  Board of Directors were Deputy Chief Gary Hannagan of the Chelmsford Police Department, Special Traffic Officer Sal Mirabella Jr., of the Chelmsford Police Department, and Officer Ryan Linehan of the Nashua Police Department.

Henry was presented with a variety of gifts from CFKWC, and his family was provided with a $5,500 check 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. 

“The strength shown by Henry and his family throughout this difficult journey is truly inspiring,” said Deputy Chief Hannagan. “Cops for Kids with Cancer exists to ensure families know they are not alone during some of the most challenging times in their lives. We are proud to stand alongside the Costigan family and the Acton Police Department in support of Henry.”

“Seeing the courage and resilience of children like Henry puts everything into perspective,” said Special Traffic Officer Mirabella. “Being able to provide support to these families is what makes the work of Cops for Kids with Cancer so meaningful. We hope today reminded the Costigan family that an entire community is behind them.”

“The Acton Police Department was honored to host our partners from Chelmsford and Nashua, as well as Cops for Kids with Cancer, to support Henry and his family,” said Acton Interim Chief Douglas Sturniolo. “It was a privilege to welcome the Costigan’s to our Public Safety Facility. Henry is an incredibly brave young man, and we want to assure his family that we are all here to support them any way that we can.”

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 1,192 families with children battling cancer. To learn more, visit: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/.