MADISON HEIGHTS (WWJ) - Local communities and fellow police officers are sending their prayers, love and support to a Madison Heights police officer and his family as he undergoes surgery for the removal of a tumor on Friday.
On Nov. 29, family members said 32-year old Detective Kyle Kreger was rushed to the ER after sudden onset of symptoms where an initial CT scan showed a brain lesion. Two days later, the young police officer was diagnosed with Glioma, a cancerous tumor the size of two golf balls in the brain.
"There truly is nothing that can prepare you for getting this type of news," Kreger's sister, Kelli LaFalce, wrote on a GoFundMe page organized last week.
"He is scheduled for brain surgery on Friday, 12/9/22, and we are happy that he will have some of the best doctors and surgeons on his side," LaFalce continued. "Upon removing the brain tumor, it will be biopsied to determine the exact grade and next steps in his treatment plan."
LaFalce described her brother as positive person to has severed his community for many years as a police officer. Now she asks that the community keep her brother, his wife, Renee, 32, and their three daughters, ages 4, 3 and 3-months-old, in prayers.
"For those of you that know Kyle, you can attest that you will have a smile on your face in his presence; he is always positive, caring, loyal and a friend to everyone," she wrote. "He has positively impacted so many and has selflessly served the community as a law enforcement officer for many years, and now is the time to help him in return."
LaFalce set up the GoFundMe page to help her brother and his family raise funds to cover medical and other costs associated with Kreger's care. As of Friday morning, over 740 people had donated, reaching $84,530 raised of the $100,000 goal.
Kreger posted an update on Wednesday to the GoFundMe page, expressing his gratitude at the outpouring of support for him and his family.
"I am so filled with love right now. What a blessing to have so many wonderful, amazing and caring people a part of my life. Thank you so much for all the generosity, prayers, kind and encouraging words that I’ve received," he wrote. "It means the world to me and I have a great attitude going into Friday. It has been such a blessing to grow up where I did as well as the career I chose. I have an amazing family with a beautiful wife and three beautiful daughters. I am seriously so blessed to have lived the life I have so far."
"I will never give up," he wrote at the end.
The Detroit Police Department tweeted out a message in support of Kreger, offering prayers as he heads into surgery Friday.
"Our prayers are with Det. Kyle Kreger of the Madison Heights Police Department and his family as he undergoes surgery for the removal of a tumor. Know that you have the support and prayers of first responders everywhere."
To donate towards Kreger's fundraiser, visitors may go to GoFundMe here.