News

Actions

Firefighter with brain cancer has mortgage paid off by community

Posted at 8:56 PM, Jan 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-27 22:14:39-05
Kevin Sikkema and his family, courtesy GoFundMe

Kevin Sikkema and his family, courtesy GoFundMe

JENISON, Mich. — Kevin Sikkema is a local firefighter whose life changed forever since being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in 2014.

But he’s not alone in his fight. Recently, the his community pooled together in a big way to help his family through his treatment: they’ve raised over $100,000 on GoFundMeto pay off his home mortgage.

Sikkema, 35, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma – a highly aggresive form of brain cancer – in May 2014. The cancer is known to cause seizures, which has prevented him from working for more than 1 day a week, putting a financial strain on he and his family.

To express their gratitude, he and his wife Amy posted a video their Facebook pageSikkemaStrong Tuesday:

Sikkema has been a firefighter for over 13 years, working with the Georgetown and Blendon Township Fire Departments.