Note from LET Executive Director Kyle Reyes: Law Enforcement Today does not have a fiscal relationship with Fund the First (FTF) – but we are proud to endorse them and stand behind them as the ONLY crowdfunding website that we believe in.
They vet out fundraisers to ensure that the funds really go to first responders and their families, helping weed out the countless scams that are run on other crowdfunding platforms. They also don’t take a percentage of the funds raised, making them truly unique.
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New York City, NY: A Nassau County Police Department officer has just had his world turned upside down during this holiday season after learning he has an aggressive form of cancer- and the family needs our help.
Sergeant Jason Vinberg, a former NYPD officer and current 19-year veteran of law enforcement, complained to his spouse Jenn one afternoon about some stomach pain and discomfort.
Not thinking much of it, he contacted his regular doctor for a quick diagnosis. He was expecting maybe he ate something passed its due date or that he had a stomach bug- something simple.
But what came next was anything but simple.
His regular doctor informed him that an endoscopy would not be possible because he was severely anemic. He then immediately referred him to a local hospital for further evaluation.
After several rounds of testing, hospital doctors learned that Sgt. Vinberg had a large mass growth on his intestines- the source of the stomach pain. Doctors had to break the news to him and his wife Jenn that he was diagnosed with Large B cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
According to lymphoma.org, it stated:
“Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive (fast-growing) NHL that affects B-lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are one type of white blood cell. B-cells are lymphocytes that make antibodies to fight infections and are an important part of the lymphatic system.”
It continued:
“Although it can occur in childhood, the occurrence of DLBCL generally increases with age, and most patients are over the age of 60 at diagnosis.”
Sgt. Vinberg is only 43 years old.
Treatment
He has been in the hospital since that day and continues to get treatment- with no guarantees for success. He does hope to be discharged from the hospital soon to at least be home with his wife and children. Sgt. Vinberg is father to three sons, an 11-year-old, Jack and a pair of 4-year-old twins, James and Jonathan.
Sgt. Vinberg and his family must prepare for a difficult road ahead. He is planning on undergoing at least six more months of chemotherapy treatments.
Prior to the devastating news of cancer, Sgt. Vinberg had a routine of walking the beat followed by rushing around the community shuffling the kids around to different activities.
But now everything will sharply change.
His wife Jenn must now pick up the slack as her husband focuses on treatment and healing. The incredible amount of unexpected stress will surely play a major role in the family’s day to day life.
Upcoming Financial Challenges
The last thing they want to add to their plates are financial strains associated with this life-changing problem.
A close friend and partner, Matt Landman, started a fundraising campaign to help ease their pain.
Matt took to Fund the First, a crowdfunding platform established exclusively for law enforcement, military and first responders and opened a campaign.
According to Matt, who speaks very highly of Sgt. Vinberg and the career he has built in law enforcement, stated:
“Jason puts in 110% to everything he does. He has always proven himself by exceeding expectations in every position he has held, including the prestigious (and extremely demanding) spot he holds today in NCPDs Major Case Bureau. He is the best cop I have ever worked with and is more of a brother than a partner.”
So far, the campaign has raised nearly $80k and climbing thanks to the generosity from friends, family and strangers alike who understand the difficulties the family will experience.
And no amount of money raised can be enough as there is no telling how long Sgt. Vinberg will need chemotherapy. They are looking at six more months minimum, and likely longer.
There is also no guarantee the chemo will be successful, either. The last thing the family needs to worry about right now are the finances.
And you can help them with that by visiting the Fund the First website. To make a monetary donation click HERE.
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