The San Diego Police Department is rallying around one of its own -- a single mother fighting her fourth bout of cancer while trying to protect the health of her oldest son.

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Police Give Helping Hand To One Of Their Own

For 16 years, Tammy Hoefer, (pictured, right), has dedicated her life to fighting crime.

"When I first joined the force, like anyone else, I wanted to help people. I wanted to save the world," Hoefer said.

Now, the 37-year-old single mother is fighting to save herself from a malignant tumor that's inoperable.

"The doctors have assured me that (they're) not going to give up (and they're) going to fight this," Hoefer said.

Hoefer got the devastating news about her cancer the day before Thanksgiving.

"In 1998, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It was in the very early stages. I just needed surgery," Hoefer told 10News.

She then got breast cancer and thyroid cancer. Meanwhile, her son, Brandon, has undergone surgery 17 times for a heart condition.

"He's my pillar of strength. Through all of this, he's never asked me, 'Mama, why has this happened to me?'" Hoefer said.

As Brandon prepares for open heart surgery, Hoefer is undergoing radiation.

"She definitely deserves our love and our attention and anything we can give her at this time," said Lisa Armstrong, from the SDPD.

Other officers are donating their vacation days to her and planning fund-raisers.

Bill Farrar, from the San Diego Police Officers Association, said, "This is what this is about -- coming together to help a real wonderful person who's served her community for 16 years and now needs help herself."

Hoefer is upbeat. She's relying on love, faith, family and friends to get her through the hard times.

"I know I'm not going to quit. I'm not a quitter. I'm going to keep fighting for my children, and for myself," Hoefer said.

The fund-raiser was held Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at the San Diego Police Headquarters. All donations received will assist Hoefer and her family with medical and living expenses.

The San Diego Police Officers Association has established a fund to help benefit the Hoefer family. All donations are tax-deductible.

Make checks payable to:
SDPOA
8388 Vickers St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Put "Hoefer family" in the memo.