Updated: 10/01/2009 10:56 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: LUKE GARRISON

Benefit Held for Cold Spring Police Officer With Brain Cancer

The Cold Spring community gathered Thursday to support Officer Duane Heinen, who was diagnosed with brain cancer again.

Heinen was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006, but doctors were able to operate on it then. Now, doctors say Heinen's tumor is inoperable.

Friends and family were shocked when Heinen was diagnosed three years ago, but this time, it comes as even more of a surprise. "We all felt it the first time a couple years ago, and we all felt he was on the road to recovery. We thought it was permanent so it was kind of heartbreaking to see him and his family in the same struggle," said Cold Spring Police Chief Phil Jones.

"It's been stressful, very stressful," said Audrey, Heinen's wife.

Heinen has spent much of his life in public servce - in the National Guard and as a police officer. Friends say Thursday's benefit was a chance to give back to man who has given so much to his community.

Although the diagnosis does not look optimistic, Duane and his family say they are. They also say the hundreds of community members who came out to raise money for Duane's Cancer treatments, and to support their family, is a very humbling sight to behold.

"It's very humbling, just to be able to say thank you," said Duane.

Duane Heinen says he wants to see his daughter, Hope, grow up. He also said he can not wait to get back to his job as a police officer.