“No one fights alone”: Ohio police officers shave their heads in solidarity with mom battling cancer
In Goshen, Ohio, a small-town police department has become the latest group to rally behind a mom who is facing one of life’s hardest battles. Ali Campbell, a 38-year-old mother of three, is fighting stage four breast cancer—but she’s not fighting alone.
When Ali posted a Facebook video of herself shaving her head in January to raise awareness about cancer and the need for better preventative care, she had no idea it would inspire such a powerful wave of support. In the emotional clip, Ali is surrounded by her family as she makes the difficult yet empowering choice to embrace her new reality. The video quickly caught the attention of her community—and the Goshen Township Police Department decided to show their solidarity in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
Related: I was at high risk for breast cancer. Here’s what I decided to do about it
A small-town police department shows up in a big way
In a heartfelt Facebook video, members of the Goshen Police Department are seen shaving their heads—and even their beards—in support of Ali. The caption read, “Today, members of the Goshen Township Police Department came together to show our support for Goshen Warrior, Ali Campbell, who is courageously fighting breast cancer. In our community, no one fights alone!”
The video has since gone viral, sparking conversations far beyond Goshen about the power of small gestures, tight-knit communities, and the importance of standing by one another in times of need.
Turning pain into purpose: One mom’s fight for better care
Ali’s journey began in 2019, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 33 years old. With no family history of the disease and years away from the recommended age for regular mammograms, her diagnosis was unexpected—and devastating. “I’ve always been told that (mammograms are) not covered; only if you have a family history,” she explained to WCPO 9 News.
Now, five years later, Ali is determined to ensure no other woman is denied potentially life-saving care because of her age. She has launched a petition on Change.org, which has already garnered more than 3,060 signatures, calling for expanded insurance coverage for early cancer detection measures like mammograms, genetic counseling, and preventative medications.
“There’s so much cancer out there in general. But since mine’s breast cancer, I want women to just listen to me and please get a mammogram. If I could save any life, that’s what I’m going to try to do,” Ali told Good Morning America.
Real stories from women denied cancer prevention and treatment care
Ali’s story has struck a chord with other women who know all too well the barriers to early cancer detection. On Facebook, moms and breast cancer survivors have shared their own experiences of being denied coverage for preventative care—and the life-altering consequences.
Elizabeth McCarty Sutherland commented on Facebook that her breast cancer was detected only by MRI, not by mammogram or ultrasound. She shared, “It was only picked up on MRI, not mammogram or ultrasound, and I only qualified because my mom died of it. It doesn’t make sense to me how it’s not cheaper to get ahead of it. Make it make sense. It’s awful.”
Amanda Brock echoed this frustration. Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at just 38 years old, she called for lowering the recommended age for mammograms. “They definitely need to lower the age,” she urged. “This can save lives.”
For some women, the barriers to care don’t stop with detection—they extend to treatment itself. Carol Gorley shared her frustration with being denied coverage for a medication often used to boost white blood cell counts during chemotherapy. “Insurance denied my last shot of NuLeasta,” she shared, highlighting the systemic hurdles many women face even while battling the disease.
These heartfelt comments from Facebook illustrate the far-reaching impact of policies that restrict access to life-saving care, whether it’s early detection or ongoing treatment. For Ali, these voices are a rallying cry.
Related: How to perform a self breast exam—and what to look out for
How early cancer detection can save lives
Ali’s story highlights a critical gap in the healthcare system. While Ohio’s 2022 “Breast Cancer Bill” requires insurers to cover annual mammograms for all women, regardless of age or risk factors, many other preventative measures—such as MRIs and genetic testing—are still not universally covered. This leaves women, particularly those under 40, at risk of delayed diagnoses.
How you can help make a difference today
Ali’s community has proven that small actions can lead to big change. Here’s how you can get involved:
Sign Ali’s petition on Change.org to support expanded preventative care.
Contact your state representatives to advocate for better insurance coverage.
Support women battling cancer in your own community through local fundraising events or acts of kindness.
Ali’s journey is a reminder that no one fights alone—and that together, we can make a difference.
