BURLINGTON — Cops for Kids with Cancer and Burlington Police supported 4-year-old Zoya Bilimoria, of Burlington, this week as they presented Zoya and her family with a $5,500 check to support them as Zoya battles a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
Zoya was diagnosed on March 12, 2024 with metastatic pineoblastoma. With support from her parents Anjumbanu “Anjum” Bilimoria and Siraj Bilimoria, Zoya is currently undergoing intensive outpatient treatment and receives weekly care at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Boston Children’s Hospital.
Due to the complexity of her condition, Zoya also receives specialized treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
The coordination of care across multiple leading medical institutions has created a significant financial burden for Zoya’s family. This transition has compounded the family’s emotional and financial challenges.
Cops for Kids with Cancer (CFKWC) is a non-profit organization that works with local law enforcement agencies to provide funds to families across New England who have children battling cancer.
While many organizations support cancer research, funds from CFKWC are not designated for any specific purpose. Families are welcome to use the funds to defray medical expenses, or to help with the day-to-day costs that lengthy hospital stays and frequent visits incur.
On Thursday, March 19, several board members of Cops for Kids with Cancer visited the Burlington Police Department to present a check, a teddy bear, some shirts and other miscellaneous gifts to Zoya and her family.
Deputy Chief Gary Hannagan and Special Traffic Officer Sal Mirabella Jr., both representing the Chelmsford Police Department and serving as board members of Cops for Kids with Cancer, participated in the disbursement. Burlington Police opened their station to Zoya and introduced her to several officers.
“Cops for Kids with Cancer is honored to stand alongside the Bilimoria family as they navigate this incredibly challenging journey,” said Deputy Chief Hannagan. “We hope this support provides some relief and allows the family to focus on what matters most, Zoya’s care and recovery. Her infectious smile and larger-than-life personality have a way of filling your heart, and we are all rooting for her every step of the way.”
“Zoya’s courage, strength and resiliency are an inspiration to all of us at the Burlington Police Department,” said Chief Thomas Browne. “We are proud to stand behind Zoya and the Bilimoria family, and grateful to Cops for Kids with Cancer for the tremendous work that they do.”