NC police, Durham city employees come together to support officer fighting cancer
A Durham police officer is struggling with stage four cancer; On top of mounting medical bills, the officer has exhausted his PTO options.
For seven years Officer Justin Siek has carried a badge to serve and protect.
He’s also carrying a burden inside; He’s battling stage four oral cancer.
“I have good days and I have pretty tough days. Cancer has been a wide-open experience," said Siek. "I’m tired but I’m happy to be alive.”
In June of this year, officer Siek was diagnosed with a rare cancer.
He underwent surgery, but cancer came back twice as strong; This time stage 4 cancer.
The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association Tobacco Road Chapter raised funds for Siek as his medical bills started to climb.
On top of that, Siek recently joined the Durham Police Department after a transfer from the Raleigh Police Department; A decision that left him with no PTO so he could recover from chemo treatments.
That’s when city workers donated their time to Siek.
“It was a shock. Me being the new guy and not even touching the streets in Durham ... it has been an amazing feeling," said Siek. "I feel blessed.”
With the current help, the struggle continues.
Siek is in need of more PTO as he continues to go through treatment and the PBF is currently trying to raise $20,000 to cover Siek’s medical expenses.
You can donate to Siek's fundraiser HERE.
Despite everything Siek is going through, he told WRAL News he will continue to serve the residents of Durham.
