Former Ankeny Police Officer Fights Cancer with BBQ

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An Ankeny cop who retired due to complications from his cancer treatment has repurposed his protect and serve philosophy into his own local charity: Cops Against Cancer.

Craig and Shirley Phinney both saw what cancer patients went through after Craig Phinney was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2009. Phinney returned to work five months after his diagnosis and launched the Cops Against Cancer organization in 2010 to help patients with expenses that insurance companies don't cover. The charity became Phinney's full-time pursuit in March when problems related to the removal of his colon kept him from working in uniform.

“Even though I retired back in March, I haven't given up my fight to help others,” Phinney said.

Many charities raise funds for cancer research, but Phinney said he wanted to assist people who need help now.

“Here's the reality. Research is good. Research is needed, but our clients don't have six years for research,” Phinney said.

Cops Against Cancer provided 200 families across Iowa with small grants to help cancer patients make mortgage payments, pay utility bills, make home repairs and cover travel expenses related to cancer treatment.

Phinneys don't ask applicants about finances. A lot of families struggle even when they have insurance coverage because their coverage plans dictate where they can go to receive treatment, Phinney said.

A family he assisted in Ames for example had to drive all the way to Iowa City five days a week for several weeks racking up thousands of dollars in gas bills.

“How do you pay for something like that?” Phinney said.

The Phinneys say they have been inundated with requests thanks to an increases awareness of their cause. However, the charity ran out of funds last November.

“That was so heartbreaking. Craig is a police officer and I have a law enforcement background. We don't turn people away when they ask for help,” Shirley Phinney said.

But if the Phinneys could say yes to everyone Cops Against Cancer would need to raise more than $100,000.

Phinney wishes he could raise $140,000 with an upcoming BBQ Charity Classic from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 3, but realistically knows he will raise about $15,000, which is the amount he raised in 2012.

The BBQ Charity Classic will be held at Ankeny DMACC Campus.

Tickets are $35. Learn more about how to help on the Cops on Cancer website.