Marie (left) and Olivia Pryor sport T-shirts April 26 during a fundraiser for Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley, who has cancer, held at the Community Center.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – More than $20,000 has been raised to help support Police Chief Robert Kennaley in his battle against cancer, with a fundraiser dinner held April 26 at the Community Center.
Kennaley, who has squamous cell carcinoma, is undergoing radiation treatments and chemotherapy.
He reportedly has a $9,000 out-of-pocket medical deductible, and will also have to pay for expenses not covered by his insurance.
Kennaley has been police chief since February 2024, and among the challenges he has faced was the shooting death of Cpl. Mohamed Said.
During the April 26 fundraiser, supporter Marie Pryor of New Boston, Kennaley’s stepdaughter, said the chief’s medical bills are starting to come in and some things are not covered by his plan.
She said that while they will try to get the insurance company to cover as much as possible, the fundraiser will help him pay off the other expenses.
“All of the transportation costs to get down to the hospital, all of the medicine that he needs, and this is going to support him and show the love from the community,” she said. “Just people’s presence here is a big thing.”
Pryor said the outpouring of support has been so touching, she didn’t know how she would get through the fundraiser without crying.
“It’s just been super touching to see how many people that are wanting to give back to him for what he’s given to the community,” she said.
Raffle items fill a table at the Melvindale Community Center on April 26, where a fundraiser for Police Chief Robert Kennaley, who has cancer, was held.
Police Lt. Humayun Rahman said he and his fellow officers made it clear from the beginning of the chief’s cancer battle that they are all in it together.
“It’s not his fight alone, so, as you can see, the whole community is rallying around him,” he said. “He has been a pillar of this community for so long, so we’re doing everything we can to support him through this process.”
Former Police Chief John Allen, who now serves as the Riverview police chief, has known Kennaley for 15 years.
He said the fundraiser will help lessen Kennaley’s financial worries while undergoing chemo and radiation, especially if he has to miss work, so he can focus on healing.
“Nobody fights cancer alone,” Allen said. “We all have to rally around people, help them out and support them.”
He said Kennaley has the personality to fight the cancer and overcome it.
Fundraiser co-chair Karen Frederick said Kennaley is a great man.
“He’s an amazing man and he’s keeping this city together,” she said. “I lost a husband to cancer, so it touches my heart and we are going to make sure he is well taken care of.”
To make a donation to help Kennaley, go to gofundme.com/f/support-chief-kennaleys-cancer-battle.
A flag flies from a J & T Crova tow truck outside the Melvindale Community Center on April 26, where a fundraiser for Police Chief Robert Kennaley, who has cancer, was held.