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Cops Present 'Healing Quilts' To Cancer Patients

By Kathy Walsh

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Law enforcement officers from Aurora and Adams County teamed up to cheer up cancer patients. They presented a number of patients with a heartfelt, handmade quilt on Tuesday.

It has become a holiday tradition. This is the third year the organization 'Cops Fighting Cancer' took time to visit the oncology unit at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center (PSL).

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(credit: CBS)

Michael Webb from Santa Fe, New Mexico, is recovering from a stem cell transplant. He was happy to accept the handiwork.

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Michael Webb (credit: CBS)

"This quilt will hopefully give you some healing and strength and some warmth," said Officer Jim Seneca with the Aurora Police Department.

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(credit: CBS)

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The one-of-a-kind quilts were sewn by a group of women at the Aurora Center for Active Adults.

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(credit: CBS)

"We make the quilts with the feeling we're wrapping our arms around them, we're giving them our love," explained Patty Hicks, coordinator for the quilters.

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CBS4's Kathy Walsh interviews Aurora Police Officer Jim Seneca (credit: CBS)

"I visualize it like the Lord wrapping his arms around you," said Seneca.

"Every little bit helps," answered Webb.

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(credit: CBS)

Seneca knows. He is a 31-year cancer survivor.

"I'm just still grateful," he said.

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(credit: CBS)

Sixteen years ago, Seneca started the group Cops Fighting Cancer. The quilts are one way the organization supports oncology patients.

Shirley Ornelas, also a patient at PSL, was happy to hear Seneca beat the disease.

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(credit: CBS)

"Maybe I'll have that same story. I pray to God I do," said Ornelas as she prepared to leave the hospital.

The healing quilts represent hope that you can overcome cancer. They offer comfort knowing that people care.

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(credit: CBS)

LINK: Cops Fighting Cancer

Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 since 1984. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.

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