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Laura and Michael Tomelloso: LAPD unite to help officer and wife diagnosed with cancer just weeks apart

According to a statement by the LAPD Central Traffic Division, the Tomellosos are the parents of two young boys, Mike Jr, 14, and Matthew, 10

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A California family's life took a horrid turn leaving them in total despair. LAPD join hands to help a California police officer and his wife who were diagnosed with cancer, weeks apart. Laura Tomelloso, a retired Department of Justice officer received the heartbreaking news that her husband Michael Tomelloso, a former LAPD Central Traffic Division officer had been diagnosed with throat cancer. This was a week after she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer reported CBS News.

"It's devastating, and for [Laura] — going through that to find out your spouse is also going to be dealing with that," Carrie Cellini, a family friend, told KNBC. Family and friends along with the LAPD decided to help because the couple, who have two boys, ages 10 and 14, was too modest to ask for assistance despite mounting medical bills, according to Cellini. The source also claims that Laura's colon cancer eventually metastasized into ovarian cancer. 

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"She had cancer and was working her way through that," said Silvia Mitchell, Laura's sister-in-law. "Then in June, Michael found out he had cancer." "Michael had radiation and chemo every day for almost eight weeks," said Mitchell. "He was unable to eat anything solid during that time and still had to have a feeding tube inserted" she added.

According to a statement released on social media by the LAPD Central Traffic Division, the Tomellosos are the parents of two young boys, Mike Jr, 14, and Matthew, 10. "During their battle with cancer, which consists of ongoing medical treatments, surgeries and hospitalizations, they have an exhausted challenge in completing simple tasks," their statement said. "They have been relying on friends, neighbors and church members in making life less challenging with their daily tasks and making their medical appointments, and to make Mike Jr. and Matthew's childhood as positive as possible," the statement continued.

After graduating from high school, Michael enlisted in the US Marine Corps and spent 25 years as an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Laura was employed by the FBI but left the organization to teach their special needs younger son at home.

Matthew is a special needs child who attends home school and works with horses as a part of his therapy, according to the Central Traffic Division. They said that because of his parents' health, he is no longer able to attend therapy sessions, reported People. Following the diagnosis, the couple and their two children managed to survive with government assistance. But when Michael's colleague cops found out about these tragedies, they came together to support the struggling family.

"It hits close to home when it's someone that's walking the same path in life," said Officer Rob Golden. "He has a servant's heart. He's always helped others and put others before him, beginning with his family and the community at large." Golden worked with Tomelloso at the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division. "Right now, they're using their personal insurance policy," said Golden. "They're dipping into retirement. They're dipping into saving to help cover everything." he added.

While Michael recently finished his treatment and is in good spirits, Laura just discovered that she will need more treatments. "They're staying positive, as positive as you can, at this time," said Mitchell.

The brethren in blue, their family, friends, and churchgoers, are supporting them. The couple's coworkers are hopeful that with some financial support, they can concentrate on getting well. "During this holiday season, what better time to lift them up not only in prayer but also to help them financially," said Golden.

The Blue Ribbon Trust Fund for the Tomellosos has been established by the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union. Anyone interested in making an online donation can complete this form.