Community Helps Retired NYPD Officer Pay for Cancer Treatment

Retired NYPD Officer Scott Blackshaw, who spent days searching for bodies at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, was told he only had months to live after he was diagnosed with terminal brain and spinal cancer earlier this year.

Then his Long Island neighbors stepped in, reports the New York Daily News .

As Blackshaw, 52, recently began a new holistic care program in hopes of finding a cure, friends in his hometown of Huntington Station, local business owners and former colleagues have rallied together to help him pay the bills, stay on track with his treatment — and let him know he's not alone as he faces his toughest challenge yet.

After years of watching the NYPD veteran selflessly help others, Blackshaw's pals felt it was only right to return the favor.