An LAPD cop and his wife, parents to two young boys, have both been diagnosed with stage four cancer just weeks apart.

Mike and Laura Tomelloso, were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other earlier this year in the city of Los Angeles, California, USA.

Funds are being raised for them online after Laura, a retired officer for the Department of Justice, found out she had stage four colon cancer after a colonoscopy in February. Laura’s colon cancer has reportedly since metastasised into ovarian cancer.

Six weeks later, her husband Mike found out he had throat cancer after noticing that he had swollen lymph nodes in his throat.

Carrie Cellini, a family friend, told local media: “It’s devastating and for [Laura] – going through that to find out your spouse is also going to be dealing with that.”

Cellini added that the Tomellosos were too humble to ask for help despite their mounting medical bills, so their family and friends decided to step in and help.

Cellini said: “Mike was just not wanting people to know. We finally said, ‘Hey, you guys are going to need [help] for the long run.'”

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has reportedly set up a trust fund to help the family, with the funds earmarked to be used for medical bills and groceries.

The LAPD Central Traffic Division said in a statement: “During their battle with cancer, which consists of ongoing medical treatments, surgeries and hospitalizations, they have an exhausted challenge in completing simple tasks.”

They added: “They have been relying on friends, neighbors and church members in making life less challenging with their daily tasks and making their medical appointments.”

The couple has two sons, Mike Jr. and Matthew, who reportedly has special needs.

The LAPD has provided this link for people to be able to help: https://lapfcu.org/a-part-of-your-community/#panel-2