ICYMI: 2 Natick Officers Running Boston Marathon For Cops For Kids With Cancer

NATICK, MA — Natick Officer Ryan Payne's son was diagnosed in 2009 with leukemia shortly after his third birthday. His son is now doing "just fine," but his family was touched by the help they received from the nonprofit organization Cops For Kids With Cancer when they needed it most.

Payne is one of two Natick officers are running The Boston Marathon on April 17 to benefit Cops for Kids With Cancer.

Officers Serge Melnik and Payne are running to benefit this nonprofit, which helps families of children suffering from cancer. Both have had experiences with family and friends who have been impacted by the fight with cancer.

Cops for Kids With Cancer focuses on providing comfort in the form of financial assistance to families with children stricken with cancer.

Melnik is running his second Boston Marathon to benefit Cops For Kids With Cancer, writing on his page, "Many of us have been affected by cancer and it is especially heart wrenching to hear a child with this disease. The financial costs and expenses of battling this disease are enormous. CFKWC steps in and awards each family $5000 to help relieve the stress of financial burdens. Over the years, $2.4 million have been given to family with children battling cancer." Melnik has raised $1,300 of a $3,000 goal.

"I had never heard of this organization before that and was amazed that they would do that for my son," writes Payne on his donation page. Since that time, I have seen many other families that have been helped by this great charity."

It is Payne's second Boston Marathon, and he's raised $786 of his $4,000 goal.

Photos via Cops for Kids With Cancer