The Jenison community is rallying behind a family that's dealing with something we don't hear about very often, two siblings diagnosed with stage four cancer just 11 months apart.
That's the reality for the VanPutten's and it's one they are fighting through everyday.
"It was something I never thought of at my age being fairly healthy," Shawn VanPutten told WZZM 13.
"Then when I got the phone call. It was quite shocking."
Last March, Shawn VanPutten was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin Lymphoma. A surprise the VanPutten's turned into opportunity to rally together.
"When Shawn started to lose his hair, we shaved his head and Josh shaved his head as well," Kimberly VanPutten," Shawn and Josh's mom said.
Josh is Shawn's brother and one of his biggest cheerleaders. Josh stood by Shawn's side as he fought cancer and beat it.
"Going through the steps having all these doctors and medications all these appointments and everything like that became such a routine for me," Shawn said.
"It felt awesome to finally be able to like have my life back."
A feeling that didn't last very long. The day Shawn celebrated his remission at the Jenison Pink Out basketball game, was the day his brother started his own battle with the big 'C'.
"It's just a lot on everybody after one person finally getting through it," Shawn said as he wiped away the tears.
"Celebrating one thing and then being absolutely devastated about the other, it was a tough day all around," Kathleen Kasnowicz, Shawn and Josh's sister, said as she thought back to that day.
"It was off-putting, it was scary. Doctors come in the room, draw the curtains, shut the door, and you kind of know at that point and you kind of know at that point, they're there for a reason," Josh said as his voice began to tremble.
"This has taken everything I was working for and just flipped it over."
But with the help of his family and most importantly his 10 month old daughter, Josh is fighting, with an army beside him and a community to boot.
People from Ottawa and Kent County communities are leaving bags of cans on the VanPutten's doorstep, for them to cash in. The money goes towards bills these brothers battle.
"No one our age has that amount of money that's just as simple as it is," Kaitlyn Bagge, Shawn's girlfriend, said.
"He [Josh] just purchased a home and is unable to work with his job and the chemo to cover the mortgage payment," Kasnowicz added.
"He had a daughter and doesn't want to lose his home."
Efforts to bring this family a little relief and a little more time.
"It's never guaranteed," Kimberly VanPutten, added.
The VanPutten's are continuing their fundraising efforts with help from the community.
On Friday, March 23, Attitudes Hair Salon in Grandville will host a cut-a-thon and pop can drive for the brothers
All proceeds will help with bills and expenses.
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