Community Rallies For Struggling West Deptford Gas Station Owner

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — The community is rallying to the aid of a popular gas station owner whose business is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic and whose wife is facing her second bout with cancer.

“Mike has been a mechanic to the residents of West Deptford for 28 years,” Brittney Jowett wrote on the “Help Michael Coleman At Westwood Service Station” GoFundMe page. He is one of the most selfless people who I have ever met. He has always been there for all our mechanical needs. I would love for everyone to come together as the wonderful community that we are to help support Mike and his wife during this very difficult time.”

Three years ago, Coleman’s wife Cynthia was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer, Jowett said in the fundraiser, which had raised more than $55,000 by Monday morning. With treatment, she was able to beat back the cancer.

Then came the coronavirus pandemic, which hit Coleman’s small business hard due to short-staffing and inflation costs. In August, Cynthia’s cancer returned.

“She is now paralyzed and has been placed on hospice,” Jowett said. “Mike is left with a very hard decision, as of September 30th, he will need to close the door to Westwood Service Station, to give full time care for his wife.”

Jowett organized the fundraiser, and her children organized a lemonade stand to help Coleman, 6 ABC reports.

“I've been blessed, because I have another day with her, and what they're doing for me, they're giving me another day,” Coleman told the news station. “I wouldn't change any moment.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit GoFundMe.com.