Page 19 - JULY 2016 Newsletter

P traits by Peter Bucks
Tributes to officers from the CPD Officer, Lodge 7 member and renowned artist
Blanca Magallon Star #14944
Acting in the service of others comes naturally to those working in law en- forcement. But when faced with an unforeseen personal challenge, CPD’s First District Officer Blanca Magallon had to turn her natural affinity for serving others inward, toward herself.
Diagnosed with leukemia in July 2014, Magallon was plunged into the position of acting on behalf of her- self and her family. Fortunately, her 14 years of tireless dedication to the community reflected back on her.
When doctors revealed she need- ed a bone marrow transplant, resi- dents lined up to see if they might be her perfect match. Concurrently, the Lodge hosted a fundraiser encourag- ing members of the local community to help in whatever ways they could. And after months of searching, an anonymous donor helped rejuvenate Magallon – body, mind and spirit.
“From the moment I was diag- nosed, they were there,” she says of her department and the entire Chi- cago law enforcement community. “They truly have become my fami- ly, and I’m forever grateful to know they’re here.”
For the tough Chicago police officer and compassionate mother of four, Magallon is used to handling whatev- er situation she encounters, however alarming. And with leukemia con- quered, she’s happy to be back on the force working in the Commander’s office, while taking more specialized care of herself and her family.
Since her diagnosis, Magallon and her family have continued – and will continue – to educate Chicago’s most underrepresented donor group, the Hispanic community, on becoming registered donors.
“Once people became more edu-
cated about the process,” she attest- ed, “they were more interested in helping.” d
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2016 19