Kids battling cancer get VIP look at NYPD operations

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Kids battling cancer got VIP treatment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit New York City.

On Monday, they were at One Police Plaza. It was a wonderful way for them to get their minds off their treatment and their current cancer battle and create wholesome memories.

It was all smiles today as 28 kids battling cancer from all over the country visited the nation’s largest police force. The visit was part of a partnership developed between the NYPD and Sunshine Kids, a national nonprofit organization that allows kids like these to visit the city every year.

“Getting the opportunity to see their smiles today has been really incredible,” said Jennifer Wisler, executive director of Sunshine Kids. “The kids are treated in hospitals across the states, and they are all battling various types of childhood cancer.”

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban gave the kids an exclusive tour of his office and the headquarters, showing them how the NYPD monitors public spaces like Times Square. 

“It’s really cool, and i never thought it was all this. I’m really glad we have them, and we keep us safe,” Abigail Martin, a cancer patient, said.

Detective Chad Moritt has been organizing the annual visit from Sunshine Kids for the past nine years.

Rob Dolan, 13, appreciates the visits. He’s been battling cancer since 2021. He goes to the oncology clinic once a week to get chemotherapy and blood tests.

He said this trip is also a great way to connect with other kids fighting the same battle.

“Being able to have people that understand what you are going through and that you can also help them understand, it’s just awesome that we have helped each other in ways that we would’ve never thought,” Dolan said.

Sunshine Kids is a national nonprofit organization that has at least 12 participating hospitals in the tri-state area. Click here to learn more.