Hurricane Hero: Cancer Can't Stop This Cop From Saving Lives

Stage 4 colon cancer didn’t stop 24 year police veteran, Bert Ramon, from braving Hurricane Harvey - he helped save over 1,500 people. 

A photo of Ramon was captured - as he smiled and gave a ‘thumbs up’ (for his wife) while rescuing elderly patients from an assisted living community. 

"That's me giving a thumbs up that I'm OK. Don't let everybody worry about me," recalled Ramon.

 

Though she was worried about her husband, Ramon’s wife Cindy, supported his wishes "There's no way I can tell him you can't go. He looks at me and says you’re crazy. He says, 'I'm going in.” 

Others were concerned - including Ramon’s Case Manager, who asked his wife "Does he know his platelet counts are low? So he can bump, bruise, bleed easily? She says I know but it's what he wants to do.”

Annually, around 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with Colorectal cancer - it is the third most common cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

By continuing to remain active, he hopes to empower other cancer patients, "God answered my prayer. It came out of this flood. I hope I can inspire other cancer patients that you know don't let this hold you back. If you feel strong, don't let it take over your life at all.” He continued, “When I first got diagnosed I used to ask, ‘why me?’ Instead, I now say, ‘why not me?’ I’m an officer. I will do something good out of this, and hopefully I will inspire people.”

Ramon hadn’t had much police action since his diagnosis left him doing mostly desk work. So, when the flood waters started rising - he reported to duty at the Lake Patrol division - the nearest division that was open. 

“As long as I feel good, I feel healthy, I’m going to go out there and work you know. And it hasn’t slowed me down yet. Thank God,” proclaimed Ramon.

Though he worked through Hurricanes Alison and Rita - Harvey was much stronger. Ramon stated, “like an apocalypse–it was just unreal.” 

Over 400 police officer homes were destroyed in Houston. On behalf of the entire team at Nurse.org, we thank you for your commitment, sacrifices and loyalty to the city you swore to serve and protect.