A Teacher Traveled Over 3 Hours for Cancer Treatment in Kansas City. While in Hospital, His Car Was Stolen, Family Says

A teacher and track coach’s car was allegedly stolen after he traveled more than three hours to Kansas City for cancer treatment.

On Sunday, Feb. 8, Bruce Bingham was staying at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, when he discovered his car was missing, according to local reports and a GoFundMe page created on his behalf.

“Bruce Bingham has always been a source of strength and support for our family, but recently, he has faced a series of overwhelming challenges,” fundraiser organizers wrote on the page. “After being diagnosed with cancer, Bruce underwent a major surgery and now must travel regularly to Kansas City for a specialized type of radiation treatment. The journey itself is demanding, but it became even more difficult when, during his stay in Kansas City, his car was stolen.”

The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department confirmed that Bingham reported his vehicle stolen and said the case remains under investigation.

Bingham told authorities he parked his 2015 Infiniti QX60 on the street in front of 10711 Bridlespur Drive in Kansas City at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. By the next morning, he realized the vehicle was gone.

The theft came after Bingham had already endured an extensive surgery related to his cancer diagnosis. He said he had been focused on his treatment trip until he learned his car was no longer there.

Bingham lives in Hutchinson, Kansas, and makes the roughly three-hour drive to Kansas City for care, according to reports.

He works as a teacher and track coach at Fairfield Middle and High School in Langdon, Kansas, where students and colleagues describe him as a favorite on campus.

“He’s really funny and very entertaining,” student Piper Schmidt said, while another student, Adellynd Katz, added that he’s a top pick among students.

Student Beau Langner described Bingham as “family,” saying he feels comfortable turning to him for support.

Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Richard D. Spencer said Bingham recently had a tumor removed from his ear and that the surgery was successful. Spencer added that Bingham still needs additional treatment and traveled to Kansas City for those appointments when his vehicle was reported stolen.

In response, members of Bingham’s community helped launch a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with medical costs and transportation so he can continue traveling for treatment.

The fundraiser has raised more than $6,000 toward a $7,000 goal.

“Our school and community has since formed a GoFundMe account to try and help Bruce find transportation so he can continue his treatments,” Spencer said, noting that support has grown as more people learn about his situation. “He is a great teacher and friend to all. Our prayers are with him and his family as they navigate the days ahead.”

Bingham expressed gratitude for the response, saying he was amazed to see people rally around him.