SOMERS POINT — The family of retired Somers Point Police Officer Keith MacEwan is planning a fundraiser to benefit the 25-year veteran, who recently was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
During City Council’s meeting July 10, Mayor Dennis Tapp noted MacEwan, 67, had “given so much to the community.”
“Keith served as a Somers Point police officer with honor and dedication for 25 years. He protected our streets, supported our families and was a pillar of strength and service,” Tapp said. “Now Keith is faced with one of the toughest battles of his life — he’s got stage 4 prostate cancer.”
Tapp said a fundraiser to help with medical bills and other expenses, dubbed Together for Keith, is scheduled for July 27
“I encourage everybody to attend,” Tapp said.
“We are reaching out to ask for your support for a very special event in honor of one of our community’s most dedicated public servants — Keith MacEwan,” reads a flier regarding the event. “While he faces this fight with strength and courage, the financial burdens have the potential to be immense.”
MacEwan retired from the SPPD in 2009 and moved to Arizona, where he lived a long time before relocating to Florida.
“He loves the hot weather, hanging out by the pool,” daughter Jenn MacEwan Fredrick said. “He loved golfing until he couldn’t do it anymore, hanging with friends and family.”
MacEwan grew up in Philadelphia and moved to the shore when he met his former wife.
MacEwan was living at an RV resort when Fredrick got married in October, then moved to Ocean City to be closer to his family. Three days later, he suffered severe pain.
Doctors discovered bone lesions and found the cancer had metastasized throughout his upper body. He is receiving hormone therapy treatment.
Tickets for the event, which will include food, beverages and raffles, are $35 per person. Ticket purchases are available through Venmo @togetherforkeith or cash at the door the day of event. Tickets for raffles, 50/50 will also be available for purchase at the door.
“We’re just excited for him to see everybody. He’s excited to see people he’s seen every week and those he hasn’t seen for months and years,” Fredrick said. “He is very positive, has a good attitude and is excited for the event in general.”
Anyone willing to donate baskets or items toward the raffle are asked to contact Fredrick via togetherforkeith@gmail.com or at (609) 432-8710.
The fundraiser is scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. July 27 at Volunteer Fire Company #2 on New Jersey Avenue.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
