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Jenison business hosting benefit for fire inspector diagnosed with cancer

Posted at 10:27 PM, Aug 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-17 22:27:45-04

JENISON, Mich. -- A community is coming together to support a West Michigan firefighter battling cancer.  Al Feenstra, a fire inspector for Georgetown Township, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the spring.

Kleyn's Mobile Repair in Jenison is helping out by putting on a benefit to help with his medical expenses.

Unfortunately, the department is no stranger to the fight against cancer. Al Feenstra is the second member of the Georgetown Township Fire Department to be diagnosed. Kevin Sikkema passed away in March after a long battle with brain cancer, but now the community is helping out with Feenstra's battle.

"It's not something I really wanted to hear," said Jason Miller, the manager at Kleyn's Mobile Repair. "I don't want to hear news that anybody has cancer."

Miller and Feenstra have known each other for years through the business and the fire department.

"We work on a few of the department's trucks here and there and I've known some of the guys on the department for a while," said Miller. "I've known Al for a few years and wanted to do something to help him out."

Kleyn's Mobile Repair, 6680 Wilshere Dr., is hosting a benefit this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Al is a nice guy," said Miller. "He's a fire inspector, so a couple of people might not think the same, but he would do anything for you. He is just a super nice guy and we've always had a great relationship."

Hosting the event, Miller says, was never a question.

"We're all brothers no matter what department you're from," said Miller, who's a firefighter in Salem Township. "We're all family in my eyes."

It's a small gesture that's received a lot of attention. A race team in Georgetown is also raising awareness to help Al by donating spots on the team's car.

"I've seen people go through cancer and it puts a toll on the family," said Miller. "Going through something like that you're worried about that and the money aspect. To have people donate and to help out with the medical bills is why I would encourage people to come out."

If you can't make it out to the event but still want to help out, you can donate to Al Feenstra's recovery fund by going to Lake Michigan Credit Union and making checks payable to "Feenstra Strong."