KMBC 9: Blue Springs police hand out high-fives and hugs to 8-year-old fighting a brain tumor

By Matt Evans

You would never know by his positive attitude, but 8-year-old Brecken Simmons is in the fight of his life right now.

He was diagnosed with a stage two astrocytoma brain tumor when he was 5. He underwent chemotherapy after his diagnosis, and earlier this year, his family found out he needed another round of chemo.

Brecken had his first appointment Monday at Children's Mercy Hospital. There to cheer him on was a group of Blue Springs' finest.

The officers with the department have formed lifelong bonds with the charismatic 8-year-old after he started a lemonade stand over the summer with proceeds going to BSPD. That stand raised thousands of dollars for the department, and also raised the attention of people across the country, wanting to help Brecken in his cause.

When Brecken rounded the corner at Children's Mercy Hospital, his face lit up when he saw all his friends in uniform.

"It just – makes my heart happy that they took their time to come out and see me and gave me high fives and hugs," he said.

See the full story via KMBC 9.

Learn more about the Cancer Center at Children's Mercy