The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation recently had the privilege of assisting Cook Aleece Dobrzyn of USP Canaan, Pennsylvania, during her ongoing fight with cancer.

Aleece was first diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in April 2022. Since then, she has endured a long and difficult journey—three major surgeries, including a double mastectomy, followed by extensive chemotherapy. Her treatments have required her to travel more than 100 miles from home to Philadelphia, and later to New York and New Jersey, leaving her with over $10,000 in out-of-pocket medical and travel expenses. In addition, Aleece has exhausted all of her leave and has been forced into Leave Without Pay status while still needing to make weekly treatment trips.

This September, Aleece will undergo her 11th surgery, adding to both the physical and financial toll. Yet, through it all, she has shown remarkable courage and perseverance.

After receiving catastrophic assistance from CPOF, Aleece sent a heartfelt note to the Foundation:

“Dear Ms. Labio & CPOF Board,
I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. I have been so overwhelmed with bills and medical complications for almost four years now. Your check helped me more than I can express and brought tears to my eyes when I saw it. Thank you so much.”
— Aleece D.

Her words remind us why CPOF exists: to stand alongside correctional professionals and their families when hardships strike, and to provide real, tangible help when it is needed most.

The Foundation thanks Courtney Hobbs for referring Aleece’s case and ensuring she did not face this journey alone.