About The RBHH Foundation
The Raheesa Bush Helping Hand Foundation was created by, DOC Captain Ruth Bush, in memory of her daughter, NYPD Officer, Raheesa “Essa” Bush.
At the age of 7, Essa knew she wanted to become a New York City Police Officer to help and serve the community. In 2009, while enrolled in Virginia State University, Essa was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In June of that year she underwent surgery to have the tumor removed. The procedure was a success and she returned to college. Shortly after graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, Essa’s childhood dream became reality. In November 2015 she was sworn in as a New York City Police Officer Recruit and began her training.
The joy of joining the most recognized police force in the world was soon over-shadowed after a routine 6-month checkup revealed her cancer had returned, but determined not to let it stop her, she immediately began chemo and radiation. Essa graduated from the police academy in April 2016 and was assigned to the Housing Police PSA 2. It was here she knew she would be able to make a difference every day in the community she served-but it was short- lived. Just 15 short months after graduating from the academy, Essa lost her battle with cancer. She passed this life on Saturday, July 1, 2017.
Several months had gone by and Ruth still struggled with the idea of keeping her daughter’s memory a live. She desperately wanted to do something but needed direction. One day, while browsing Essa’s Facebook page she saw a post that ha d been written with a picture of Essa’s hand above it. The quote read:
About The RBHH Foundation
The Raheesa Bush Helping Hand Foundation was created by, DOC Captain Ruth Bush, in memory of her daughter, NYPD Officer, Raheesa “Essa” Bush.
At the age of 7, Essa knew she wanted to become a New York City Police Officer to help and serve the community. In 2009, while enrolled in Virginia State University, Essa was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In June of that year she underwent surgery to have the tumor removed. The procedure was a success and she returned to college. Shortly after graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, Essa’s childhood dream became reality. In November 2015 she was sworn in as a New York City Police Officer Recruit and began her training.
The joy of joining the most recognized police force in the world was soon over-shadowed after a routine 6-month checkup revealed her cancer had returned, but determined not to let it stop her, she immediately began chemo and radiation. Essa graduated from the police academy in April 2016 and was assigned to the Housing Police PSA 2. It was here she knew she would be able to make a difference every day in the community she served-but it was short- lived. Just 15 short months after graduating from the academy, Essa lost her battle with cancer. She passed this life on Saturday, July 1, 2017.
Several months had gone by and Ruth still struggled with the idea of keeping her daughter’s memory a live. She desperately wanted to do something but needed direction. One day, while browsing Essa’s Facebook page she saw a post that had been written with a picture of Essa’s hand above it. The quote read:
‘Today when I was leaving the academy, I saw someone who looked like they were having trouble with a flat tire, so I made a U-turn to see if he needed help. He said yes and explained to me that his lift wasn’t working properly. I went to get my lift out of my car and as we were changing the tire, I asked him was he in the October class. He explained to me that he was a “hold-over” from July. I asked him how did he get hurt? He replied I didn’t, I got diagnosed with lymphoma. At the time I couldn’t remember what that was. He explained, it’s a type of cancer. I said do you want to hear something funny? He looked at me and said, What? I explained to him that I’m a cancer survivor, I had a brain tumor. I felt like I needed to share this because you never know what people might be going through and what connections you can make with people. So, the next time you see someone in need, give them a hand ……
It was then, after reading her daughter’s Facebook post, she knew in her heart the way to keep her beloved Essa’s memory alive would be through a foundation called “Helping Hand” and the journey began.
‘Today when I was leaving the academy, I saw someone who looked like they were having trouble with a flat tire, so I made a U-turn to see if he needed help. He said yes and explained to me that his lift wasn’t working properly. I went to get my lift out of my car and as we were changing the tire, I asked him was he in the October class. He explained to me that he was a “hold-over” from July. I asked him how did he get hurt? He replied I didn’t, I got diagnosed with lymphoma. At the time I couldn’t remember what that was. He explained, it’s a type of cancer. I said do you want to hear something funny? He looked at me and said, What? I explained to him that I’m a cancer survivor, I had a brain tumor. I felt like I needed to share this because you never know what people might be going through and what connections you can make with people. So, the next time you see someone in need, give them a hand ……
It was then, after reading her daughter’s Facebook post, she knew in her heart the way to keep her beloved Essa’s memory alive would be through a foundation called “Helping Hand” and the journey began.
Our Mission
Raheesa Bush Helping Hand Foundation is dedicated to providing financial aid support to college-bound students in underserved communities. The RBHH Foundation was established in memory of NYPD Officer Raheesa Bush to offer students an opportunity for advancement in higher education. Educational grants provide deserving students the ability to achieve success at the college or university of their choice.
Our Vision
The Raheesa Bush Helping Hand Foundation (RBHH) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting access to and success in higher education for students in underserved communities. Based in East Elmhurst, New York, RBHH offers scholarships to students from New York City who are dedicated to completing a degree at an accredited college or university.
RBHH Foundation envisions a community where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential through completion of post-secondary education. The RBHH Foundation sees higher education as a catalyst for positive change in disadvantaged communities, a power that can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families and advance the economic and public exchanges necessary for societies to function well.
A community that truly recognizes the importance of higher education is one that ensures the doors to post-secondary education are open to all who have the potential to succeed, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, background or lack of resources.
“Students who do not attend college or who drop out quickly are predominantly persons from low-income families, living in underdeveloped areas within major cities…”
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors consists of the parents of Rahessa Bush and other professionals. Our goal is to keep RBHH alive and thriving with new programs and ideas while ensuring that all monies are being utilized to best support our many students throughout the U.S.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or comments about our group and its mission.
Thank you.
Ruth Bush
Founder & President
Founded in memory of my daughter, NYPD Officer Raheesa Bush who never passed on an opportunity to help someone in need.
Bryan“Rahiem” Bush
Vice President
Jeannette Grant
Secretary
Jamal Thomas
Member
