When Correctional Counselor Maria Hobia-Pavliska of the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City reached out to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, her family was facing one of life’s most difficult challenges.

In September 2025, Maria’s wife, Brandi, was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the diagnosis set in and treatment plans began, the uncertainty and emotional weight of the journey ahead quickly followed. Like so many correctional families, they faced this battle with strength, but they did not have to face it alone.

Through the Foundation’s Catastrophic Assistance Program, CPOF was honored to stand beside the Hobia-Pavliska family during this critical time. Assistance was provided to help ease the financial burden as Brandi prepared for surgery and treatment, allowing the family to focus on what mattered most, her health and their time together.

Throughout the holidays, the family of seven, Maria, Brandi, and their five children, Mackenzie (12), Brayson (11), Ezra (9), Riley (8), and Landon (6), experienced the care and compassion that define the CPOF mission. Support came not only in the form of financial assistance, but also through heartfelt outreach that reminded them they were not alone.

Then, on January 19, 2026, Brandi reached a powerful milestone: she rang the bell, officially cancer-free.

In reflecting on their journey, Maria shared:

“The amount of care and compassion CPOF showed my family was truly amazing. I was absolutely taken aback by everything that was done for us. The amount of appreciation I have for CPOF cannot be expressed enough. I was truly humbled by this experience and will forever be grateful for the outpouring of love and support.”

The story of the Hobia-Pavliska family is one of resilience, love, and the strength of the corrections community. It is also a powerful reminder of why the Foundation exists: to stand in the gap during life’s most challenging moments.

At CPOF, we remain committed to Taking Care of Our Own—because no correctional family should ever have to face hardship alone.