Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow and his family were gifted an SUV and other supplies by two anonymous donors who learned he is battling leukemia, with the vehicle meant to carry him safely over mountain passes to cancer treatment this winter. The surprise unfolded during a weekend gathering in Chelan that drew regional first responders, local businesses, and community members eager to help.
The donation was coordinated by Beside the Line, described as an East Wenatchee nonprofit that supports families of public safety professionals, according to kozi.com. The nonprofit arranged for two anonymous donors to provide the vehicle after hearing about Budrow's diagnosis, and it organized the presentation during a donated weekend getaway in Chelan. Laura Criss of Beside the Line said the organization could not fix the family's broader situation, but it could make sure Paul had safe transportation for his winter treatment, and she called the response from local businesses and first responders overwhelming, according to the Lake Chelan Mirror.
Budrow has served as Twisp's police chief, and he was elected Okanogan County sheriff in 2022 after 11 years in that role, per methowvalleynews.com. He and his wife, Aimee, have twelve children, including six adopted from foster care, with five school-aged kids still living at home, the station's report notes.
A Family Vehicle That Couldn't Keep Up
The family's existing vehicle had become unreliable for trips over the mountains, and it was not dependable enough to get Budrow to his periodic medical care, per the same account. One of the Budrow daughters had reportedly been warming up the family's old vehicle outside each morning in freezing weather, the report states. The newly donated Expedition includes remote start, letting her warm the vehicle with the push of a button instead.
Approaching winter weather made dependable ground transportation a growing priority for the family, and volunteer flights had previously helped Budrow reach treatment, according to the Lake Chelan Mirror. Two anonymous donors provided a 2025 Ford Expedition Active for the family, the Mirror reported, and local businesses and community members stocked the SUV with supplies to make the road ahead easier.
Keys Delivered During a Light-Show Procession
The presentation took place Saturday, October 24, in Chelan. First responders gathered at the Lake Chelan Community Center before rolling out in a light-show procession to deliver the keys at 7 p.m., kozi.com reported. Participants included Chelan Fire & Rescue, Lake Chelan Health EMS, Chelan County Volunteer Search & Rescue, the Wenatchee Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Chelan County Behavioral Health Unit, and East Cascade Regional SWAT, per the Mirror.
Aimee Budrow and three of her children arrived in Chelan on October 22 for a benefit hosted by Tipsy Canyon Winery in Manson, and Paul Budrow and another child joined the family the following morning, according to the Mirror's account. The Expedition was stocked with heated blankets, electrolyte drinks, snacks, children's crafts, car care supplies and tire chains, and contributors reportedly included Walmart, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Cascade Mountain Medicine, BlueBridge, Costco, Weinstein Beverage and community members.
A Weekend Built Around Giving
Beyond the vehicle itself, the weekend brought a wave of local generosity. Lakeside Chelanigans donated the family's vacation rental, and The Vine Coffee opened a tab for the whole weekend, per kozi.com. The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce contributed Chamber Bucks for local shopping, Slide Waters donated ropes course time, Chelan Toys & Sweets gave treats, and Tapped Out Sports Bar & Pool Hall donated a meal gift card, the Mirror reported.
Per Beside the Line, Budrow has leukemia and two additional cancers. The nonprofit has said he served at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, when he was training law enforcement officers in New York City. More than a year after applying, the family was still waiting on federal benefits through the World Trade Center Health Program, kozi.com reported, and the Mirror noted the family is awaiting assistance through that program and other organizations.
Ongoing Costs Beyond the SUV
The family continues to face treatment, travel, lodging, and prescription expenses, according to the Mirror. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the Budrows weather the financial strain without added pressure on their household budget. Separately, methowvalleynews.com reported that the Eagles FOE #2584 hall in Winthrop had planned a Burgers and Bingo for Budrow fundraiser, featuring food at 5 p.m. and bingo starting at 6 p.m.
