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PHOENIX — Two police officers have helped save Christmas for a 5-year-old suffering from a rare bone marrow disease after her family's Christmas decorations were stolen by a Grinch.
The decorations had been stolen Nov. 21 after Jessica Smith had put them up early, knowing she and her daughter would have to be in the hospital for the holidays. Two lit reindeer, three Christmas trees and a Santa on a sleigh were all stolen, according to KFYI. The thieves left only a net on the ground and the family's Christmas lights, which they were unable to remove from the house.
The family reported the theft to police. When Officers Jacob Lewis and David Head spoke with the family, they learned that it may be Linzy Smith's last Christmas — so they decided to act.
"We are not just police officers. We are fathers and have children of our own and want to help the community," Lewis told KPNX. "I am expecting my fifth child."
Lewis met with the family Tuesday at a local Walmart, where he bought them groceries, a new coffee maker and new Christmas lights. At the Smith home, he assembled the new lights and replaced the damaged lights the thieves were unable to steal.
"Santa's coming! Santa's coming!" they found Linzy yelling as they finished.
Linzy will undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment within the next month, according to KPNX.
