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Erika Coy passed away at Hackensack University Medical Center at around 2 a.m. surrounded by her husband Joey and their four children ages 14, 12, 8 and 6.
The funds will aid Coy's family. She was diagnosed with kidney cancer that quickly spread to her brain and lungs in November 2015.
Lakia Gaillard, a longtime friend and co-worker of Coy's at Hudson County Correctional Facility, told Daily Voice that when Coy was diagnosed with Stage IV renal cell carcinoma she knew she needed to do something for her family.
“We are a family here,” Gaillard said. “When one is wounded, we’re all wounded, so we want to try and get our fellow sister in blue all the help she can get."
Gaillard banded together with the rest of the staff at the jailhouse to donate their vacation time to Coy so she could remain employed.
They have since started a GoFundMe campaign with members of Coy's family and friends to raise 50,000 to cover the family's expenses during this difficult time. As of Wednesday morning, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $12,670 through donations from more than 150 individuals.
"I am so unbelievably grateful for the kind support we have been getting," said Alex Lalaoui, a Jersey City-based soccer coach who runs a special non-profit charity for law enforcement officers in need – The U.S. Soccer Heroes.
Lalaoui is hosting a pickup soccer game fundraiser at his downtown Jersey City indoor gym on Monday, Feb.15 to benefit Coy and her family.
"When you’re battling a serious illness, the whole family has to keep their focus on healing,” Lalaoui said. “We hope we can help take off a bit of the financial pressure by meeting or exceeding our $15,000 goal.”
"Erika is a strong individual with a very friendly and warm personality," Gaillard added. "She is always there to help others and now she needs our help."
CLICK HERE to donate to Coy's family.
This story has been updated to reflect new information.
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