San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies deliver toys to pediatric cancer patients

Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department visited Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH) Tuesday, September 8, delivering toys to children fighting cancer and highlighting the positive impact of community support.

For nearly two decades, deputies have made regular visits at LLUCH to encourage kids and families facing life-threatening illnesses.

"Over the years, these experiences have shown me the incredible courage of children fighting cancer, the strength of their families, and how meaningful it can be for them to know their community sees them, supports them, and is walking alongside them during some of their most difficult days," said Amy Ortiz, SBCSD Deputy Sheriff and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rodeo Youth Programs Director.

The visits began in 2008 through the Debbie Chisholm Memorial Foundation, a law enforcement-based, wish-granting charity that brought deputies together to support families of children battling cancer. The department continued to raise funds for youth programs by hosting a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo annually in September.

In 2019, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Rodeo joined the Golden Circle of Champions, a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and offering hope to children and families facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

"Through proceeds from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rodeo and the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, we are able to provide special experiences, gifts, and support to these families," Ortiz said. "Most importantly, the Golden Circle gives us an opportunity to honor these incredible children and remind them that they are surrounded by a community that cares about them and is cheering them on."

During Tuesday's visit, deputies hand-delivered personalized gifts to each patient. One patient was thrilled to receive a gift card for his favorite pizza place.

Kait Briggs, Child Life Assistant at LLUCH, said watching the children's faces light up as they opened gifts chosen especially for them was a beautiful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can bring comfort and joy during a difficult time.

"What made this visit so special was that the gifts weren't simply dropped off and left behind. The members of SBCSD took the time to personally hand each patient their gift, watch their faces light up as they opened it, and share those moments of happiness with them," Briggs said. "It was a simple gesture that showed our patients they were not forgotten - they were seen, valued, and cared for."