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GoFundMe started for former RRPD officer's cancer battle
John Francis
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Any business owner, resident and Rio Ranchoan that has been involved with the community for the past 20-plus years probably knows Rio Rancho Police Officer John Francis.
He served as an officer for 24 years with 12 of those years as RRPD's public information officer. Through his career, he saw many trials and tribulations, but now there is a new meaning of difficulty in his life.
To the dismay, frustration and sadness of many of his friends and family, Francis began a trying battle with pancreatic cancer in December.
Tanya Harden, his friend and colleague of many years, took the reigns and decided to start a GoFundMe for him. The funds will go directly to Francis to help cover medical and personal expenses.
"We were just wanting to put a GoFundMe out there to raise money to assist him with his co-pays and bills or whatever else he needed," Harden said.
According to the National Health Institute, cancer treatment, through initial treatment and end stages, can cost upward of $100,000.
The influence for Harden doing this for her friend goes beyond their time as police officers, though. "I've known John since I was 15 years old," she said. He mentored Harden throughout her career as an officer and he was essentially her family.
"He's been there for deaths, births, weddings, you know, just everything. So to me, he's like my dad," she explained.
That's why this process has been so hard for her to see. "He's just the best person. He doesn't deserve this," she said with tears in her eyes.
Francis is a man of many hats, according to Harden. She says he did PIO training courses with New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and helped train more than 700 people. He is also a 31-year volunteer with the Special Olympics.
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One of the lesser-known facts about Francis was that he was in 21 movies. Two of the more familiar are "The Longest Yard" and "Elvis Has Left the Building." Most of them were movies involving law enforcement officers. Harden says his nickname became "Hollywood" because of this.
Despite how scary his battle has been, Harden says his spirits have lifted with every donation. She encourages him every day to fight.
The Rio Rancho Police Department has encouraged Francis to keep fighting as well.
"John is well known for his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving this community. Even after retiring, he chose to continue to serve Rio Rancho through his work with the Rio Rancho Public School District. John's strength and resilience, qualities that defined his career in law enforcement, continue to inspire those around him as he confronts this challenge. The Rio Rancho Police Department stands in solidarity with John, offering support and prayers for his recovery," Capt. Jacquelynn Reedy said on behalf of the department.
The department also wanted Francis to know that his RRPD family is here for him.
"John, in this challenging time, remember that you are surrounded by love and support from all of us at the Rio Rancho Police Department. Your courage and strength in facing this battle are truly inspiring. Each day is a step forward, and your resilience shines brightly. Keep believing in your power to overcome and know that you are never alone on this journey. Stay strong, keep fighting and know that better days are ahead. With all of our support, love and best wishes, your family at the Rio Rancho Police Department," Reedy said.
So far, about $15,000 has been raised, but Harden's goal is to collect $50,000.
Harden is now trying to spread the word about Francis' GoFundMe in order to reach that goal. She has passed out flyers with the GoFundMe QR code and shared via social media. However, Harden realizes not everyone has access to GoFundMe or may not be technologically inclined, so people can also email Harden at tanyaharden_2@hotmail.com for other donation methods.
