PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When a police officer’s life is lost or severely altered as a result of serving the community, the lives of their families are forever changed. The Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation (FBBCF) is holding its fourth annual Andy Chan Holiday Block Party to provide relief and hope to two such families.
Almost five years ago, Chan, a Philadelphia Highway Patrol officer, was struck by a vehicle and thrown from his work motorcycle. He suffered a brain injury and has been in recovery ever since.
“He's been stable for a good while,” said his wife, Teng Chan. “And we’re happy about that. He still remains in a minimally conscious state. So he does know what’s going on, he just can’t communicate verbally.”
“Teng wakes up every day and she’s got to go to work and she’s got to get kids to school and she’s got to monitor Andy’s 24-hour care. But it’s for this cause that we let these families know that we are never going to forget them,” said FBBCF Executive Director Mark O’Connor.
The event now extends the proceeds to other officers, something Teng Chan insisted on two years ago.
“Last year, we gave some of the proceeds to the families of the two Pennsylvania State troopers that were killed on I-95, and after the tragedy with Sgt. [Christopher] Fitzgerald, it really was a no-brainer for our committee,” O’Connor added.
Fitzgerald, a Temple University police officer, was shot and killed in the line of duty in February, leaving behind his wife and four children.
“This is our vehicle for helping others, and we’re happy to do it and we’re happy to support the Fitzgerald family during their time of need and difficulty,” Teng Chan said.
The event kicks off Friday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 9 p.m. on Second Street in Old City, between Market and Chestnut streets. There will be raffle prizes; a DJ; visits from the Grinch, Santa Claus, Rocky and Ben Franklin; and food and drinks from six restaurants.
Tickets are available online or in person.