Police Officers Restore Faith In Humanity To Family Of Little Girl With Cancer
By Kathy Walsh
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - The parents of a little girl who's fighting cancer say the police in Lakewood have restored their faith in humanity.
When Taylor Burgess' special "go bag" was stolen, Lakewood police officers went beyond the call of duty.
People call Taylor Burgess "Mighty T."
"I'm kicking cancer's butt," 7-year-old Taylor told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh.
But it hasn't been easy for the second-grader or her family.
"The hardest part of all is when the doctor looks at you and says 'I'm thinking cancer,'" said Jake Burgess, Taylor's father.
The diagnosis in June was leukemia. Ever since, life for the Burgesses has revolved around trips to the hospital and treatments.
"You get a few shots, procedures, stuff like that," Taylor said matter-of-factly.
But according to her dad, "Everything's chaotic. Everything changes every day and you have to roll with it."
Still, Jake Burgess and his wife, Stacey, had a hard time accepting the theft of Taylor's "go bag" from their car. It was filled with clothes and toys that comfort their little girl. It was always ready in case of emergency.
"The important part was that it was something we actually needed," said Stacey Burgess.
"It was maddening," Jake Burgess added.
But anger turned to amazement. On Aug. 22, Lakewood police officers showed up with a brand new bag packed and ready to go. There were toys for Taylor and her sister, Bella, and gift cards. And the girls got time to play in a patrol car.
"I didn't know there were people out there who just out of the blue say 'Hey, let's go help somebody,'" said Jake Burgess.
For the Burgess family, it was a blessing. It was a chance to forget cancer for a moment.
"I got to arrest my mom," laughed Taylor.
For one afternoon, they just had fun.
LINKS: The Mighty Taylor vs. Leukemia GoFundMe Page | Mighty Taylor's Wish and Needs List
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.