Cottonwood (AZ) Dispatcher in Need of Support

Cottonwood Police Department Communications Specialist, CTO, Lana Stine and her family are experiencing a challenging time.  Lana’s 14 year old daughter, Mary, has been hospitalized numerous times over the last few years for a condition known as ulcerative colitis.  She has just recently been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (liver disease), a condition that usually requires a liver transplant.  Mary is scheduled for a colectomy (removal of the colon) and appendectomy (removal of the appendix) and is waiting for a determination on how to treat the liver disease. 

Mary is a beautiful, bright, sweet young lady.  She has touched the lives of many people in our agency.  Even when she hasn’t been feeling well, she was always bright and cheerful.  She is currently in excruciating pain, as the epidural and other pain medications are not providing her any relief.  Her mother is beside herself with helplessness, as she cannot provide her own child with any comfort. 

As Lana’s supervisor, I have had the opportunity to become well acquainted with Lana’s family.  I also have a 14 year old daughter, and Mary and my daughter have become very close friends.  She has always been a joy to have around our home or at the office.  Mary has participated with the Clarkdale Police Department (a neighboring agency) as a police explorer.

Lana has always been pillar for our agency.  In my absence, she keeps the division running.  She will step in and cover a shift for any of her co-workers.  She is dedicated, responsive, and reliable.  I know that our agency has rallied around Lana and her family to support her, but the support of the communications, 911, and public safety community would certainly give her an additional boost and help her to endure current and future challenges. 

Please send any cards of encouragement to parents Lana and Larry Stine, and/or to the patient, Mary Stine, c/o Cottonwood PD, 199 S. 6th Street, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326.

Mary is currently hospitalized at Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.  The trip from Cottonwood is approximately 100 miles.  The costs of traveling to Phoenix, staying in Phoenix, and the costs of food and other expenses are adding up.  While Mary’s hospital expenses are covered by insurance, her prescription expenses have exceeded the insurance maximum.  Finally, the holidays are quickly approaching and the possibility of providing Mary with any real sense of Christmas cheer is becoming very unlikely.  Donations may be sent to Lana Stine at the Cottonwood Police Department at 199 S. 6th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.  Donations will offset the expenses of traveling to Phoenix, such as gas, lodging, and food, help offset some of the prescription costs, and possibly help to buy a few holiday gifts for Mary.  Employees of the Cottonwood Police Department are currently working with Chase Bank to set up a donation account.  Our current goal is to raise $2500.00 for the Stine family.  The Cottonwood Police Department point of contact for updates is Marie D. Carpenter, Communications Supervisor. (Contact information is listed below.)

Thank you!
Marie D. Carpenter
Cottonwood Police Department
Communications Supervisor
199 S. 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
(928) 634-4246 ext 102
mcarpenter@ci.cottonwood.az.us