back in 2015 oklahoma police officer jodie thompson answered a physical abuse complaint. listen to this. he couldn't believe it when he found that 8-year-old boy, beaten up, badly, and his wrist tied. well in that moment he said, he knew he was the only one who could keep him safe. >> what was moment that you knew that this was your son? >> when i seen, when i seen him in that house, i knew. >> when he saw him in that house, he knew. >> and get this, officer thompson ended up adopting john's younger sister as well. he said his son quote -- is the toughest guy he's ever met. this week, cnn hero is using technology to keep kids battling life-threatening illnesses connected to their everyday lives. >> it's really difficult for kids to spend a lot of time in the hospital, they get so disconnected from their family