Grafton Boy Raises Money For Police Officer Battling Cancer

GRAFTON (CBS) – A 6-year-old raised $1500 for a police officer he's never met.

When Tyler Hardiman heard Grafton Police Sgt. Michael Mazzola was battling lymphoma, he wanted to help.

"I just wanted to because I wanted to raise money for the police officer because he has kids," said Tyler.

Sgt. Mazzola was diagnosed with cancer last spring and has been off the job for months. The veteran officer is the father of three.

"He might say like, 'Wow! Thank you! Thank you so much!' Any of that," said Tyler.

Tyler asked his mother, Danielle Hardiman, if he could raise money with a lemonade stand.

More than 200 people bought lemonade Friday.

"I did not know it was going to be as big as it was," said Danielle.

Grafton Police, as well as officers from surrounding communities, came to help.

"They gave me this and a badge and these and two hats and one shirt!" said Tyler.

"You can't even express it. It's awesome. It's also teaching my son a lesson," said Danielle.