Shelby County (TN) Dispatcher in Need of Support

Dear 9-1-1 Cares,

Fellow dispatcher and friend, Deborah Henderson, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Deborah has served as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Memphis, TN since May 1996. On February 7th, 2011, Deborah was at home and had difficulty walking and speaking. The family feared Deborah had suffered a stroke and sought medical attention. It was several days later when the doctors determined that Deborah had two spots of cancer in her brain and other areas of her body.

Three years ago Deborah was diagnosed with breast cancer, went through the chemo, and worked at our 9-1-1 center as much as she could through it all. Deborah had been cancer free for nearly 18 months until now. Deborah is currently hospitalized with swelling to the brain and remains asleep most of the time. Deborah is not expected to return to work according to her husband.

Deborah’s husband, Larry, is a Deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. They are loving and devoted parents and grandparents. You see, they have an adult handicapped daughter who has been wheelchair bound her entire life and needs 24/7 care for physical and mental disabilities. Their love and devotion for that one child alone would amaze you!! Their love for their other children and grandchildren is beyond words!! To sit and talk with Deborah and Larry about their family, you can see the pride and joy in their eyes, as they smile the entire time relaying stories to you. Deborah and Larry are the kind of folks that would help you out if you ever needed something.

With your help, our current goal is to provide support to the Henderson family through cards, letters, prayers and positive thoughts. Cards and Letters can be sent to:

Deborah Henderson
C/O Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division / Room C-147
1075 Mullins Station Road
Memphis , TN 38134

For any other questions or information you can contact me at: Diana.Roberts@shelby-sheriff.org Thanks in advance!!

Diana Roberts, Senior Dispatcher
Shelby County Sheriff's Office 9-1-1 Communications Section
901-379-7625