The late Patrick (PJ) Francis Jr., a beloved 3-year-old boy from Baldwin, New York, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024. PJ was the son of Officer Patrick Francis and Officer Samantha Hickman. The young boy was diagnosed with lymphoma on Monday, May 13th. Despite the doctors performing surgery to remove 75% of the mass on his lung and administering chemotherapy, PJ tragically succumbed to the illness just two weeks later.
The community is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking news. Veola Arrington shared the family’s grief on Facebook, highlighting the immense emotional and financial burdens faced by PJ’s parents. "As you can imagine, this is any parent’s worst nightmare. Tragically little PJ is no longer with us. A parent can never plan for the loss of a child, and I can’t even imagine the pain they are in," Veola wrote.
In an effort to support the grieving family, Nikki Francis organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Assist PJ’s Family Through Their Loss." The fundraiser aims to raise $20,000 to cover funeral expenses and other associated costs. As of now, the campaign has raised $7,195 from 78 donations. Notable contributions include a $1,000 donation from Dana Persico and a $50 donation from Judy Marino.
Nikki Francis emphasized the family’s need for time to heal without the added stress of financial worries. "Please donate to help this young family have the time they need to heal. If you are unable to donate, please help by sharing this post. And if nothing else, please pray for healing and health for our family."
The outpouring of support from the community highlights the collective empathy and solidarity in times of such devastating loss. The Francis family, through their grief, has expressed their deep gratitude for the kindness and support shown to them during this difficult time.
Note:This post was written and edited by Lily Sanchez, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.