Fundraiser scheduled for former public safety dispatcher battling cancer

GROSSE POINTE PARK — A couple that has devoted their lives to serving others is now in need of a helping hand from the community.

Erin Bremer, a former Detroit police officer and emergency dispatcher for Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Woods, is battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and is no longer able to work. Her husband, Adam Bremer, is an officer with the Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Department, where he has worked for the last 5 1/2 years; before that, he was with the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department for about five years. They’ve got mounting medical bills from Erin’s treatments and surgeries as she bravely fights an enemy that’s more relentless than most criminals.

A fundraiser to assist the Bremers with their expenses will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. June 8 at the Cabbage Patch Saloon, 15130 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park. For $20 per ticket, attendees will receive a hot dog and draft beer. There will also be games, a tin can raffle, an auction and more. All ticket sales, as well as a portion of bar sales, will go directly to the Bremers.

“They’ve touched almost every Grosse Pointe,” Park Sgt. Rob Ruggero said of the Bremers, who have worked in four of the five Grosse Pointe public safety departments.

Adam Bremer said Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer roughly a year ago. Then, the couple learned that the cancer had spread to her brain, forcing her to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove a couple of tumors. Erin Bremer’s strength was apparent when she emerged from brain surgery immediately able to converse with her doctor — something the doctor said wasn’t typical. The Bremers have since learned that the cancer has also spread to Erin’s liver and bones.

“She’s a very strong person,” Adam Bremer said. “She’s a very loving person. She’s a very caring person. She’s a fighter, through and through.”

Adam Bremer said that although they know metastatic breast cancer will “never go away” — his wife will likely need to remain on chemotherapy for the rest of her life — “We’re staying positive.”

The couple recently celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary and had dated for about three years before that. Despite the dire diagnosis, Erin Bremer is determined to survive, and Adam intends to be with her every step of the way. Erin Bremer has two young adult children from a previous marriage who Adam said are also lending their help and support.

“We’re going to get through this,” Adam Bremer said.

While Adam Bremer has had to take time off to take care of his wife or take her to doctor’s appointments, he’s still regularly on the beat, and Ruggero said he continues to give the job his all.

“He still comes in with a smile every day,” Ruggero said. “He still gives the same level of service.”

Those who’d like to help but can’t attend the fundraiser can drop off donations for Bremer at any time to the Park Public Safety Department, where they’re maintaining a regular collection. They can also give via Adam Bremer’s Venmo account; a QR code linking to his account can be found on the Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety Facebook page.

“So many people have been really great so far — donating and (sharing) words of encouragement and support,” Adam Bremer said.

For more information about the June 8 fundraiser, contact the Cabbage Patch Saloon at (313) 821-1111.