A Fall River teen received a heartfelt surprise this week when the Fall River Police Department partnered with The Hero Package Foundation to deliver a personalized care package during her battle with ovarian cancer.
On Monday, 16-year-old Norah was the recipient of the foundation’s 253rd Hero Package delivery. The event began with a police escort to her home as a complete surprise for Norah and her family. Officers from the Fall River Police Department helped create a memorable experience, showing community support beyond the badge.
The Hero Package Foundation was founded in 2021 by Jennifer Vertentes, known as “Officer Jen,” a retired Rhode Island police officer. Vertentes started the 501(c)(3) nonprofit in honor of Emerson Lucier, a young girl she met while working as an officer. Emerson was battling acute myeloid leukemia at the time. What began as a single care package delivery on Thanksgiving in 2018 grew into a lasting friendship and the foundation that has now supported more than 253 children fighting cancer across the United States.
Hero Packages are custom-created for each child based on their personality, interests, favorite characters, and hobbies. Packages often include comfort items, clothing, games, crafts, and personalized gifts. Every package also includes a copy of Vertentes’ children’s book, The Hero With The Gold Cape, and a custom gold superhero cape with the child’s name. The message is that the children are superheroes in their own right.
Norah’s package was sponsored by the Fall River Police Department and included items chosen specifically for her, such as The Summer I Turned Pretty book series, a bedazzling kit, squishies, and an official Hero Package Foundation blanket. The goal was to bring comfort and moments of joy during a difficult time.
Vertentes also announced that she has adopted Norah for the foundation’s 2026 Operation Wish-Mas initiative. Through donations, the program provides Christmas gifts for children battling cancer in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, aiming to ease some of the financial and emotional burdens on families during the holidays.
Vertentes operates the foundation entirely on a volunteer basis, handling everything from fundraising and shopping to assembling and delivering each package. In 2023, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer herself. She has continued running the organization while navigating her own treatment, which she says has deepened her understanding of the challenges families face.
“The message behind my foundation has always been simple: No one fights alone,” Vertentes said.
Norah’s delivery was especially meaningful to Vertentes because of their shared experience with ovarian cancer. The collaboration with Fall River Police highlighted the foundation’s emphasis on community support and the impact of law enforcement going beyond traditional duties to help residents.
The Hero Package Foundation also organizes other annual efforts, including Halloween Hero Pails and holiday programs, all aimed at reminding childhood cancer patients they are seen, supported, and never alone.
You can learn more about The Hero Package Foundation, its Hero Package deliveries, and community initiatives through Facebook, and Instagram.
