NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk Police Department and the community are rallying around a police officer diagnosed with cancer with a special event.
For Sergeant Dallas Greeson, a moment of celebration quickly turned into a battle she didn't expect.
Greeson always wanted to be a police officer.
"Since I've been a little girl," Greeson said. She joined the Norfolk Police Department 15 years ago, after serving in the Navy.
Last year, Greeson got a new role, which prompted her to get an up-to-date physical.
"And as a result of that physical, they noticed something different on the X-ray," said Greeson.
It was lung cancer.
Since then, she's gone through treatments and multiple surgeries. She had complications from one surgery and is scheduled to have another procedure next month. Right now, she's on modified duty.
It's all taken a toll.
"I'm a single parent so financially, my finances have suffered having this illness, having the treatments. So, it's truly amazing having the support," she said.
Greeson says fellow police officers are stepping up and a local non-profit, Paint Pink, is also pitching in. The group raises money for people fighting cancer.
"We raise funds so that they are not so stressed out about money, and it gives them time to heal," said the organization's founder, Kim Keene.
This weekend, Paint Pink, along with the Norfolk Police Department, are hosting a fundraiser called "Pancakes with the Police" in Norfolk to raise money for Greeson and others battling cancer.
"I really wanted to pay it forward," said Keene.
Keene started Paint Pink after her own breast cancer diagnosis six years ago.
At the time, she ran a restaurant, and she said the support from others helped her at a time when she really needed it.
Jo Hughes volunteers with the group, and she's also been with the Norfolk Police Department for nearly 20 years. When she learned about Greeson's circumstances, she reached out to Keene to brainstorm a way to help.
"As police officers and first responders, we support the community. But this is a great opportunity for the community to support first responders," said Hughes.
They're hoping the community will help rally around one of their beloved police officers.
Meanwhile, Greeson is thankful for the support and hopes her story can help others.
"Don't be afraid to let people know what's going on, because they truly want to help," said Greeson.
Pancakes with the Police will be Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at the VFW at 111 A Avenue in Norfolk.
It's $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 10 and under. You can find more information on Pink Paint's website.