WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A local police officer who has served in Palm Beach County for nearly 40 years is going through the fight of her life.
She’s been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and Thursday was a special day.
"Thirty-two years today is our anniversary," Bruce David Bowersock said, collecting his emotions. He knows he doesn’t have long with his wife, Cecilia.
"As police officers you usually prepare yourself for this kind of stuff," Bowersock said.
Bruce is a retired Mangonia Park officer who is now a handyman.
Cecilia started her law enforcement career in West Palm Beach as the first woman Cuban-American on the force. After 30 years there, she’s approaching eight with the Atlantis Police Department.
"Three weeks ago she was healthy and on duty here in Atlantis on road patrol," Bruce recalled. "Now she’s beyond stage four liver cancer. So far we haven’t been able to find any viable liver treatment at all. There are no options."
Cecilia is described as a tough police officer, who always puts her family ahead of everything else.
Bruce David Bowersock and Cecilia share responsibility of their grandkids with their father.
“We’ve been playing pool for the last 10 to 15 years,” said John Quadagno, owner of Johnny Q’s, a restaurant and sports lounge in Palm Springs.
She’s also a tough pool player, still the grandkids top of mind.
“Everything is about the grandchildren. It’s a shame what’s happening to her because she’s going to miss all that,” Quadagno said.
“I’m going to try to tell them how much she cared for them. The sacrifices she made to make them happy,” Bowersock said.
It’s likely their last Christmas. Their last anniversary together.
“I tell people spend more time with your family. Travel. Do things you want to do. Don’t save for a rainy day. It might not ever rain before you run out of time. I feel like that right now. I feel like I’m completely out of time with the one I love anyway,” Bowersock said.
Johnny Q’s hopes to hold a benefit for Cecelia, her family, including her grandkids, in early January in the backyard of the restaurant. As soon as the details are finalized, WPTV will let you know.
To help out the Bowersock family, click here.
