By Palmdale Community Relations deputy Jodi Wolfe
Law enforcement is not always about catching the bad guy; it is also about reaching out to our community and making a difference. A Los Angeles County deputy meets many people from all walks of life on any given day. As deputies, it is our goal to make a positive impression in the lives of those people.
But sometimes one of those people – in this case, 14-year-old Patricia Moore – makes a deep and lasting impression on Palmdale Station. Patricia, who is terminally ill with cancer, has the most amazing perspective on life and brings happiness to anyone who meets her.
Patricia entered our lives a couple of months ago when Patricia’s mother, Shannon Moore, contacted Palmdale Station asking if we could help complete her daughter’s “bucket list” by taking her on a ride-a-long. We heard about Patricia’s courageous fight with cancer and she literally stole the collective hearts of Palmdale Station.
The word was out in mid-March that Patricia was celebrating her 14th birthday. On the day of her birthday, several deputies stopped by her home and wished her “Happy Birthday.”
Deputy Danielle Day was unable to visit Patricia on her birthday due to her work schedule. Therefore, she made it a point to visit her the following day. The next day, when the two met, an immediate friendship bloomed.
“As I sat and talked with Patricia, I could see she is such a strong-willed little girl who won’t allow anyone to feel bad for her. She appreciates every little thing she receives and genuinely cares for everyone,” stated Deputy Day.
Deputy Day visits Patricia on a weekly basis and enjoys every minute they spend together. During their time together, she learned of Patricia’s bucket list and the many things she loves.
Patricia loves to be outside but finds it difficult because she is unable to be in the sun for an extended period of time and her family’s home does not have a covered patio. Wanting to make certain Patricia was able to go outside, Deputy Day reached out to friends – Tom and Rachel Conroy of TCC General Contracting in Lancaster — and asked for an estimate on a covered patio. When Tom and Rachel learned of the story, they refused to accept any kind of payment and built the patio cover for free!
Deputy Day didn’t stop there.
She saw Patricia’s great love for animals and Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer.” Deputy Day worked with a partner and arranged for Patricia to meet Cesar Millan and his dog, Junior.
Deputy Day said, “That day was the happiest I had seen Patricia. Cesar was so gracious with her and went above and beyond anything I could imagine.”
Deputy Day found out Patricia loves the LASD helicopter. It took her several weeks of obtaining approvals, but Deputy Day on May 6 surprised Patricia with an Aero Bureau ride-a-long!
Patricia has many more interests. She loves My Little Pony, Build-A-Bear, playing Wii or Xbox 360, make-up, and hanging out with her friends.
Deputy Day rallied her friends and family to help this young girl keep checking off items on her bucket list.
- Patricia really wanted to plant and tend to a garden, but being wheelchair-bound made it very difficult for her. Deputy Day’s cousin (who would like to remain anonymous) built for Patricia a mobile flower garden, 3 feet tall and 7 feet long.
- Lynn Hetrick graciously donated a gift card to Build-a-Bear.
- Brandie Burton also donated a “Build-A-Bear” gift card, as well as personalized “My Little Pony” hair bows.
- Deputy Day’s mother, Linda Wenniger, made a beautiful hand-stitched My little Pony-themed quilt for Patricia.
- Seven-year-old Austin Schmid used his allowance to buy Patricia a My little Pony figurine.
“Angel Ride” for Patricia on May 23
Patricia loves motorcycles, particularly Harleys, but she has never had the opportunity to ride one… until now. Patricia and her mother will ride together in the “Angel Ride” this Saturday, May 23.
The “Angel Ride” is a motorcycle ride to honor Patricia and make her dreams come true. Everyone is welcome to come out and show their love and support for Patricia.
The “Angel Ride” kicks off at 10 a.m. this Saturday, May 23, in the IHOP parking lot, located at 39176 10th Street West in Palmdale.
Patricia has impacted so many lives at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and in the Antelope Valley community. We are all so blessed to have met this beautiful little girl who has touched so many of us!
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Jason (Dad) says
On behalf of Patricia and our family, I would like to thank everybody who has come together to help support Patricia in her brave fight against the cancers that attacked her.
Although she has left us here on Earth, her fight brought out the best of everybody in the Antelope Valley and beyond. Caring, compassion, and love poured from all corners and we are humbled by just how so many people, from so many different segments of our local tapestry of humanity, came together for one little girl. It truly gives us hope for the future of the AV for our community to be able to put aside our differences for a common cause.
There are just too many people and businesses throughout the AV to thank to be able to list them all.
For those who have been asking, the open memorial for Patricia is scheduled for 10am – 1pm on Saturday, June 20th @ Sol Plaza; 1140 Commerce Center Dr, Lancaster, CA 93534
We are still in need of help with catering (perhaps a food truck?) and chairs, so if anyone wishes to come forward to help with that, it would be appreciated. There were hundreds that rode in the Angel Ride alone, much less have been involved with Patricia throughout her fight, so please take that into consideration if you wish to help.
Again, thank you all who have been a part of this, and we hope that you will join us for the memorial event.
Darla says
This morning Patricia had lost her fight. She has captured so many peoples hearts may she rest in peace now with the lord. I am proud to say I was able to be apart of the “Angels ride” for her.
Teresa Spire says
This lil girl has stole my heart to the core.I would like to know what else is on her bucket list..