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(WJBK) - He's dedicated his life to helping others in need, but now a police officer and his family could use your thoughts, prayers and donations.
Dave Imber was a platoon leader in Iraq and a police officer here at home, but he says nothing is compared to the battle that lies ahead.
"It wasn't so much why me, it was how me," he said. "Like how does this just happen out of nowhere? Like brain cancer out of nowhere, I was just shocked."
Imber is now in for the fight of his life. Last March, the 37 year-old Lathrup police officer, who spent 13 years in the military, discovered he had terminal brain cancer.
"I come downstairs and start talking to my mom and she says what's the matter with your face?" he said. "I said what are you talking about. She said the left side of your mouth isn't moving when you talk."
At first, his family thought he was having a stroke, but a trip to ER revealed a glioblastoma brain tumor about as big as a strawberry that needed to be removed immediately.
"It was really hard," said Julie Imber, his wife. "Because I have never seen him emotional and it was very emotional to see him cry, and be upset about our kids, and it was just terrible."
With his wife and children by his side along with support from the community, Dave has been fighting back against this aggressive form of brain cancer.
They are seeking specialized medical treatment at Henry Ford Hospital which is out of network. Only 80 percent is covered by military medical insurance - which along with the cost of living, can add up without a paycheck.
"Everything is okay right now, it's like okay we can breathe a little bit," Julie said. "But at the end of month when he gets the MRI, that's like the moment of truth. That is going to be like, oh God if it came back - I don't know. I'm trying not to think about that part, I guess."
In the meantime, the community is rallying around him. A GoFundMe page has been set up and a fundraiser is planned for all day Tuesday, June 5 at The Copper Mug in Walled Lake, 1704 E. West Maple Road.
All of the money raised will go to the Imber family to help offset the bills through this challenging time.
"We really appreciate all the support," Dave said. "It's amazing. It is nice to know that you give to the community and to the country and people see that and give back.
Julie said this type of brain cancer has nearly a100 percent chance of reoccurrence and the survival rate is low. But Dave is staying positive and plans to fight every step of the way.
To donate to the family's GoFundMe, CLICK HERE.
For more information on the fundraiser CLICK HERE.