Okeechobee Times

Recently we shared a journey of SRD Sgt. Cari Arnold and her fight against a highly aggressive cancer. 

During her fight, she was on experimental drugs that were not covered by insurance, and with hospital stays and family care, the financial burden for her and her children was mounting very fast.

Through this community's generosity and love of Cari from her devoted friends and co-workers, we came together for three events to offset that burden.  

During those events, vendors from all over Okeechobee came together to donate items for her auctions. Sadly she passed before she could see the end result of these efforts. 

We are astonished to announce that nearly $40,000.00 was raised in her memory. Every penny went to her family. 

Everyone here at the Sheriff's Office, her extended family, and on behalf of Cari's family, we thank everyone involved. 

Sheriff Stephen said, "We live in the best community in the nation; when times get rough, we always seem to come together and focus on what is essential as a family should. The generosity, love, and support from everyone can only be described as impressive and powerful. 

Cari was a fantastic person with a dynamic soul, and this proved that she touched more than just her OCSO family. My heart thanks each one of you involved."

Original source can be found here.