For those who know Darcy, you know him as someone who is hardworking, kind, resilient, and always willing to help others. At just 24 years old, Darcy and his loved ones have received news they never hoped to hear.

When Darcy was only 14 years old, he was diagnosed with adamantinoma, an incredibly rare form of bone cancer. After treatment as a teenager, Darcy was fortunate to have nearly nine years without any signs that the cancer had returned. During those years, he built a life he loves alongside his partner Alia. Together, they moved to Tofino, built their careers, created a home, and adopted their beloved mexi pup, Gecko.

Now, nine years later, they have received devastating news, Darcy’s adamantinoma has metastasized.

The cancer has spread to multiple areas of his body. A cancerous tumor has been found on his fifth vertebra, with the tumor extending into his rib. He also has a pleural effusion in his right lung, meaning fluid has accumulated around his lung. Cancer cells are present within the fluid and the buildup is causing significant challenges with his breathing.

To help manage the fluid buildup, Darcy underwent surgery on Thursday, August 20th to have a permanent catheter placed into his pleural space. This allows the fluid to be drained from home instead of requiring repeated hospital visits.

Darcy is currently working with the BC Cancer Clinic in Victoria, where his medical team is trying to determine the best possible path forward. Unfortunately, because adamantinoma is so rare, there is no standard treatment for metastatic disease like Darcy’s.

Typically, surgery is the primary treatment option for adamantinoma. However, because of where Darcy’s cancer has spread, his doctors do not believe surgery would be an option. Instead, they are hoping to try a drug called Sunitinib.

There is very little research available for metastatic adamantinoma because so few people are diagnosed with this cancer. However, there is at least one documented case similar to Darcy’s in which Sunitinib showed a positive response, giving us all a lot of hope.

Unfortunately, the rarity of this cancer also means there is very little funding options for any treatment available. Sunitinib alone could cost up to $20,000 per month. This is on top of travel to Victoria, medical expenses, medications, supplies, and the many other unexpected costs that come with this diagnosis.

Both Darcy and Alia are taking time away from work so they can focus on Darcy’s treatment and the road ahead of recovery, appointments, and each other. While they navigate this incredibly uncertain time, they are also trying to manage the financial reality of being unable to work while facing potentially enormous treatment costs.

We are creating this fundraiser to help take some of the financial pressure off Darcy and Alia, and his family so they can focus on what matters most right now: giving Darcy every possible chance to fight this cancer.

Funds raised will help with:

Potential treatment costs, including Sunitinib

Travel and accommodation for treatment and appointments in Victoria

Medical supplies and costs associated with managing his pleural catheter at home

Medications and other treatment-related expenses

Everyday living expenses while Darcy and Alia are away from work

Any unexpected costs that arise throughout Darcy’s treatment

If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will make a meaningful difference to Darcy, Alia, and Gecko during this incredibly difficult time. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser and Darcy’s story is just as valuable.

Darcy has already fought this cancer once, beginning when he was just 14 years old. After nine years, he is facing it again, this time with fewer established treatment options and an enormous amount of uncertainty.

Every bit of kindness means more than we can put into words.