Support Darrick's Fight Against Bile Duct Cancer

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Darrick (lovingly known as Officer Bruns or OB to his students) shares some difficult news.

Around Thanksgiving, Darrick was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA), commonly referred to as Bile Duct Cancer.

The path to diagnosis has been mentally and physically exhausting for Darrick and our family. In May 2024, Darrick had an annual blood draw that indicated high liver enzyme levels. Initial markers indicated Fatty Liver Disease and Darrick made adjustments to his lifestyle. However, when he returned in August to recheck levels, numbers had increased and he was referred to a hepatologist. By the time he met with the hepatologist on October 3rd his numbers had tripled, and symptoms had started such as extreme itching, weight loss, and jaundice. This began the push to perform additional testing and our journey at the University of Kansas, including many blood draws, MRI, liver biopsy, etc.

On November 9th, Darrick underwent his first ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to gather biopsies to determine the cause and treat blocked bile ducts by placing stents to open up strictures. While performing the procedure, they were unable to balloon and stent the right duct to unblock it. A stent was successfully placed in the left duct. He was sent home with hopes of having some relief and given a follow-up date in December.

Fast forward to the week of Thanksgiving, Darrick was experiencing extreme pain that led us to the Emergency Department. While in the hospital, another ERCP was performed where an infection was found to have occurred. At this time, it was also determined that Darrick would need a PTC drain placed to drain the blocked duct to control bile buildup. After many blood draws, 2 procedures, and a picnic-style Thanksgiving meal in the hospital, Darrick was sent home a week later.

Biopsy results from the second ERCP, in conjunction with results from other tests, formally diagnosed Darrick with cancer on December 4th. This form of cancer is incredibly difficult to diagnosis and is inoperable due to its location. Initial meetings with the surgical team at KU suggest he may be a candidate for a liver transplant, but before that can occur, he will need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments, as well as a CT scan to ensure the cancer is still localized to the liver.

Unfortunately, KU is not equipped to perform this kind of surgical treatment. We are working with Darrick's medical team to get the care he needs, which will require out of Kansas City, and potentially out of state, treatment.

As you can imagine, the financial burden has put a tremendous strain on our day-to-day life. There are massive expenses upcoming for medical bills, travel, lodging, meals, etc. Additionally, Darrick and Kim (Darrick's wife) have been unable to work in any significant capacity. This is why we are setting up a GoFundMe to share with our closest family, friends, colleagues, and those who just want to help. The family is kindly asking for any support you may be able to offer. Your monetary gift would truly be a blessing to our family as we navigate this devastating situation.

Darrick is a retired police officer of 20+ years, and presently, an inspiring teacher at Northland Career Center and advisor for SkillsUSA. He has dedicated his life to serving, protecting, caring for, and uplifting his community his entire life.

As Darrick has always been there for others, now is our chance to rally behind him. Your messages, prayers, and support mean more than words can express. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us, and for helping Darrick continue to fight with the same courage and love he's always shown.

We have also set up a CaringBridge page where you can follow to receive updates on Darrick's journey.

With gratitude,

Darrick's Family