Derek's Story

Derek is our 8 year old son. He was an energy filled, happy, healthy, kind boy who loves life.

This all started Thanksgiving week 2015.

His fight is with brain cancer. He was diagnosed with an aggressive high grade anaplastic astrocytoma/glioma.

His tumor required brain surgery.
The neurosurgeon who operated on him removed as much of the golf ball sized brain tumor as he felt safe, but
because of where it was growing he could not remove it all. The residual tumor is located on the thalamus. The thalamus is a very sensitive area of the brain and to remove the remaining tumor would result in permanent damage. So the surgeon removed only what was safe. Once out of the hospital is 6 weeks of daily radiation along with possible chemotherapy or an experimental vaccine.
This came on fast and has taken its toll. Because of the surgery, the left side of his body is weaker and he is very
fatigued after most activities. But Derek is working hard to regain his strength and stamina. Although it has
stripped him of his once boundless energy and health, it has done nothing to cripple his happiness and, if
possible, has increased his kindness and compassion to others.
Derek's plight began when we took him to the ER for what we originally thought was a prolonged stomach flu.

Little did we know......

There is no question that Derek believes in Jesus. Please pray for our son.

The support that Derek and his family have received already is amazing and humbling.
A special thanks to our Associated Eye Care family. We could not do this without you! Thank you for
everything!

Thank you and God bless