Author loses 17-year fight with cancer

Darryl C. Didier's career as a stockbroker ended more than a decade ago when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

But instead of submitting to the disease, the Lincolnshire resident used his experiences to write and self-publish an autobiographical book. He also worked as a motivational speaker.

"It's important to give people hope," he told the Daily Herald in 2005.

Didier, 41, died Wednesday -- 17 years after he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancer of the central nervous system.

The tumor had been dormant for many years but reappeared and spread sometime in the past year, said his sister, Brenda. It was only recently discovered, she said.

Even so, Didier never lost his optimism, his sister said.

"He fought it to the end," said his sister of Kenosha. "He kept making people laugh, even when he couldn't move anymore, even when he couldn't talk anymore. He embraced death the way he embraced life."

Didier was born in Milwaukee but lived in Lincolnshire nearly all of his life. He earned a communications degree from Indiana State University.

He was working as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch in 1990 when a complaint about a severe headache led to the discovery of his brain tumor.

After surgeons removed most of the tumor, Didier endured intensive rehabilitation to improve his motor skills, attention and reasoning skills. He wanted to be independent.

"He never wanted to be a burden on anyone else," his sister said. "He always thought of everyone else. He wanted his independence for us."

Didier self-published "Force a Miracle" in 2002 and even got former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka to write the foreword.

"Darryl is an inspiration and a hero to me because I'm an old-fashioned guy," Ditka wrote in the foreword. "I like winners and achievers; those who face problems and find solutions."

Didier also served on the Lake County unit of the American Cancer Society's board of directors and spoke about his experiences at schools, business meetings and prisons.

He recently finished a second book, called "Sammy Hits a Home Run." It hasn't yet been published.

In addition to his sister, Didier is survived by his mother, Jean, of Lincolnshire.

Visitation is set for 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, and for 9 a.m. Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield.

A funeral Mass will be said for Didier at 10 a.m. Monday at the church.

Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Green Oaks.

Instead of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society or the American Brain Tumor Association.