Claremore Community Holds Special Send-Off For Teen Battling Cancer

A 13-year-old in Claremore has received an outpouring of support from his community as he battles cancer.

Tallery and Steve Briggs said their son, Dagan, is a joyful kid. "He is really goofy, lighthearted, very sensitive and kind. Very respectful, we raised him to be that way, but just a really good kid."

On Wednesday, Dagan got to eat breakfast with first responders from the Rogers County Sheriff's Office, Claremore Fire Department, and Justus-Tiawah Fire Department. It was an effort organized by his school resource officer, Deputy Curtis Brandt.

"I just believed that I needed to do something special for him, send him off in a great way," Deputy Brandt said.

Dagan begins chemotherapy treatment Thursday after learning he has stage 1, B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

"When I first heard about it, I did not really think much about it," said Dagan. "Then, I was not really worried because I knew God was on my side."

"We think we caught it pretty early," Steve continued saying, "He had a few lumps on his head and that is how we knew."

Dagan's mother said the news was shocking. "As a parent you do not expect this and when it happens, it is just kind of a shock and you do not want this to happen to your child," she added.

Brandt said when he learned the news, he worked with the sheriff's office and Justus-Tiawah Public Schools to find a way to encourage Dagan in his fight.

"Dagan has just kind of touched my heart," he said. "He is 13-years-old and no kid at 13-years-old should have to go through cancer or treatment," Brandt said.

Even though he has only worked with the district since January, Dagan said the bond he and deputy Brandt share is strong.

"He is my homie. He is very nice, he is a great man, always talking to me in the hallways and is just very awesome," Dagan said.

On Dagan's last day before heading to the hospital, the entire district gathered in the elementary school parking lot to cheer him on as he arrived. Dagan said it was a day he will never forget.

"It felt pretty awesome, I mean, I know I have always been a big deal, but it felt really good," he said jokingly. "It told me that I have a lot of people on my side and that a lot of people care about me."

The surprise did not stop there. Everyone then filed into the school gym where Dagan was presented with a plaque for his courage from Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.

Both of Dagan's parents are heavily involved in the community as a teacher and a basketball coach. They said seeing their community give back to them is amazing.

"It is a very big blessing from God. It is almost overwhelming, in a good way," said Tallery.

Steve agreed saying, "It is just a blessing to have people behind you and appreciating what you do for their kids and supporting your kid when you need them."

While the Briggs family knows the road ahead will be challenging, they said they are putting their faith in God.

"You just know that he is very powerful, he has the power to do anything that he wants to," Dagan said.

"It is just sad he has to go through this," said Tallery. "I think what will help him is he is so joyful, and he has a heart for God. He just has a really positive outlook."