NEW MIAMI, Ohio – The community is trying to help Police Chief Dan Gilbert through the fight of his life following a scuffle with a bad guy.
“Making an arrest in the village, a gentleman decided he wanted to fight us, so he kicked Dan pretty hard in the chest,” said acting chief Ross Gilbert.
A doctor’s exam afterward revealed something scarier than a fight with a suspect.
Colon cancer.
That was October. Since then, the cancer has spread to his liver and lungs, and he has been in aggressive chemotherapy.
Now the community Dan Gilbert has given so much to is giving back to him. Their message is no one fights alone.
The chief’s daughter, Elizabeth Gilbert, is grateful for the assistance at this trying time.
“Life changing. Our worlds have all turned upside down,” Elizabeth said.
Dan Gilbert is more than just a chief, Ross Gilbert says.
“Dan's always there. If something happens he's right there with us.”
“My dad's my hero,” Elizabeth says. “He's awesome. I couldn't ask for a better role model and awesome guy.”
So his friends and family held a benefit Saturday to raise money to help pay for his medical expenses. And they got an even better turnout than they expected.
"We have so many different people out here and so much love and support,” Elizabeth said. “We can't thank everyone enough. It's been amazing.
The benefit included a silent auction, a raffle and plenty of food.
In addition, contributions to his YouCaring Page have passed $11,000 of its $20,000 goal.
“He's saved other people's lives, so everybody's coming together to save his,” Elizabeth said.
If you would like to donate to the Gilbert family, here’s a link to his YouCaring page.
