Komen, Philadelphia Police Celebrate Funds Raised For Breast Cancer
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Komen Philadelphia teamed up with the Philadelphia Police Department on Tuesday to honor Team Pink Cuffs, a group of Philly cops that have raised thousands to cure breast cancer. They also honored one of their own.
Officer Karen Walker was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. The following year, fellow officers formed Team Pink Cuffs and tapped Walker as their ambassador.
"It was her call to let everyone know-- you are not untouchable," says Frances Walker, Karen's mother.
Walker says her daughter witnessed that lesson first hand in April when she was diagnosed with stage four brain, lung and stomach cancer. She died eight weeks later in June.
"It motivates me even more to push harder," says Officer Roslyn Talley. She started the 125-member Team Pink Cuffs after her mother died from cancer. She then brought in Walker and the two became very good friends. She says they raised $25,000 over the past two years, with this year's donations raised in Karen Walker's honor.
"It was amazing," she says when asked about the support given by her fellow officers, "one thing about the police officers that people don't know is that we all have hearts."
Komen Philadelphia presented Walker's family and the police department with plaques, thanking them for their effort.
Dietz & Watson honored the group with free lunch.
