Assistance for son of Northglenn (CO) PD Officer

This was received reference Northglenn PD Officer ERNIE ROMERO (and family):

"Police officer, father, hero..."

Dear Friends:

It is with a heavy heart that I send this letter about a good friend of mine, Ernie Romero. Ernie is a seventeen year veteran of the Northglenn Police Department. To say that the past two years have been difficult for him is a gross understatement. Though he is solid Christian man who prides himself in being a devoted husband and father, two years ago Ernie’s wife left him for another person. Later, his wife began to turn their three children against him and, while he was able to mend his relationship with his sons, the divorce caused a rift between Ernie and his daughter that still remains to be healed. This traumatizing separation put an enormous strain on Ernie both emotionally and financially.

Ernie’s circumstances grew even more dire about six weeks ago when he learned that his nineteen-year-old son, Josh Romero, was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of testicular cancer. Doctors operated the day after finding the cancer, but unfortunately they discovered that it had spread to his lungs and spleen. Those of you who are parents, especially, can imagine the sheer terror and desperation that Ernie is experiencing right now – wanting to save his son, take his place, and/or simply make the cancer go away – none of which are possible.
When he first approached his friends with this need Ernie, a very humble man, said “It is VERY hard for us to ask for money donations but during a time of crisis one must do what they feel they have to. We ask that, due to the high medical costs, if you can dig into your pockets and contribute any amount of money we would appreciate it. We promise if we have any money left over we will pass it onto another person in need.”
Here is the bottom line: Ernie and his family need help. Josh is covered under Ernie’s City of Northglenn Insurance Plan but it is a 20/80 plan which requires Ernie to pay the first 20% of all costs. Between medication and surgeries, his medical bills could easily topple the $50,000 mark. Also, keep in mind that Ernie is a single father living on a policeman’s salary who is also paying child support and alimony.

So, this is a time when true heroes need to rise to the occasion. For seventeen years Ernie has put himself in harm’s way in order to help many other people’s children live in a community that is safe from harm. Now, I hope, you will join me in helping him rescue his own son.

I am sending this letter to the approximately 200 people in my various email address books. I know times are tough but I am asking you to please consider making a $20 donation to Ernie and his family. If even 100 of you can make a $20 donation we can support Ernie and Josh with $2000, which is more than money – it’s also a mark of solidarity and support that he desperately needs right now.


Please consider helping in one of two ways:

1) Make a donation at Compass Bank to the Arthur Romero FBO Josh Romero Cancer Fund.
2) Send me a Christmas card with a check addressed to the account above or simply “Ernie Romero”. On Thursday, December 18, 2008, one week before Christmas, I am going to surprise Ernie with (hopefully) one to two-hundred cards of encouragement. Send the cards to my PO Box:
Chris Wilderman
C/O: Josh Romero Cancer Fund
Po Box 33432
Northglenn, Co 80233

I am sending this letter to a large group of people. If you are one of the lucky people who already know Ernie, you know that he would give his life to help you. He is one of the most humble and inspirational men I know. Throughout the tough times in Ernie’s life, he has ALWAYS worn a smile on his face and is quick with a light-hearted joke to let you know he is okay – even when you know he couldn’t possibly be okay given his circumstances. Please help Ernie during this very difficult time. I know we are all trying to figure out how to make things work right now but I know that $20 is not a lot of money in the scope of life.

Thank you so much and God Bless!

Your friend,

Chris Wilderman
303.888.0919


· With God’s help we will do mighty things…..Psalm 60:12

· I command you – be strong and courageous - for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go…. Joshua 1:9

· We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quite.....2 Corinthians 4:8