SoCal cops band together to help LAPD officer's cancer-stricken wife

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A young mother is in a fight for her life - and police officers from around Los Angeles are doing what they can to help.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer John Walker's wife Tara was diagnosed almost three months ago with stage 4 melanoma, a form of cancer she first fought - and thought she had beat - more than 10 years ago.

But during her recent pregnancy, she experienced unusual back pains - and they just got worse after the baby was born.

The diagnosis in January was cancer. Doctors say it's possible her immune system was weakened enough during her pregnancy for the disease to come back.

Radiation has not been working for Tara. She was recently released from the hospital after a three-week stay. John Walker says the couple are looking into other experimental treatments that have not been approved here.

Now officers throughout the area are pitching in to help raise funds for the couple's spiraling medical bills.

At a fundraiser event on Wednesday, officers donated funds to participate in cross-fit style workouts to help the Walkers.

John Walker, an officer with the LAPD's elite Metro Division, said he and his wife are grateful for the support from fellow officers

"She's just blown away, like me," Walker said. "We're just in disbelief we would have this much support."

Donations to help the Walkers may be made out to "Blue Ribbon Trust for John M. Walker" and mailed to:

Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union

Attn: Blue Ribbon John M. Walker

P.O. Box 10188

Van Nuys, CA 91410

Members of the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union can donate online through PATROL Online Banking, or by phone using the CODE 3 phone system at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732). Enter account number 2080491 S4.1 and LOS (first three letters of the account name).