FREEPORT, TX — The parents of a little girl stricken with an incurable form of cancer are hoping to kick the dreaded disease through essential oils, nutrition, and juice, and have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money.
Last week, the Freeport Police Department held a fundraiser at an area McDonald’s for Abigail Arias.
“Folks came out because they wanted to meet her,” Chief Ray Garivey said. “People wanted to take a photo with her, and some folks came out who were fighting cancer, and the wanted to tell her, ‘keep fighting.’ She is an inspiration to many who are going through the same thing.”
Abigail Arias was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a form of kidney cancer, in 2017. She was just 4 years old at the time. She fought and beat it after enduring chemotherapy and radiation for seven months.
She rang the bell and her parents, Ruben and Ilene, celebrated her being cancer-free. Finally, it seemed, there was relief.
She was cancer-free for just a few months before she was diagnosed with the same cancer. She received chemotherapy treatments in hopes that she could beat it again, but that was not the case. Doctors told the family there is nothing else they can do.
Garivey learned about Abigail and her wish to become a police officer when he met her and her family in December.
“She’s an inspiration,” Garivey. “I don’t know if I could do what she does every day. It’s just a blessing we came across each other’s path.”
On Feb. 7, the cherubic 6-year-old girl saw her dream come true when Garivey gave her the oath in a crowded Freeport City Hall to become an honorary Freeport police officer.
But it was more than just making a little girl’s dream a reality. Ultimately, she would become a symbol of hope for many in the fight against cancer.
Two weeks later, on Feb. 25 Abigail Arias was sworn as an honorary Texas Ranger.
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen of Freeport stood with her and her parents in the state capitol so she could take the oath of office.
“There are no words to express what today meant to me.,” Bonnen said on his Facebook Page.
Ranger Abigail Arias, who sported a custom made pair of pink cowboy boots from Fenoglio Boot Co., celebrated Abigail Arias Day at the state capitol wearing a Texas Ranger’s uniform.
Earlier this month, a group from the Dallas Police Department visited with Abigail dressed as superheros and presented her with certificate that made her a member of the Dallas Police superheros organization, Garivey said.
While Abigail gives hope to her fellow cancer fighters, their love and the love from the Freeport community and other Texas communities, it seems, gives her and her family hope, too.
And if by some chance cancer claims Abigail, Garivey said he hopes to honor her with a police officer’s send off, and ensure she receives full honors of officers who pass away as an active officer.
“I believe in miracles…but I am a realist,” Garivey said. “If that day comes, I plan to do everything — full honors an officer would get — if there is anything I can do for her ceremony, where people can remember her…”
To make a contribution to Abigail Arias’ GoFundMe account, click here.
READ ALSO: Abigail’s Wish: Cancer Patient Takes Police Officer’s Oath
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