Thanks for visiting our D-Rex Defenders page!  This will be our fourth year in honor and memory of our beloved Derek, who passed away in April of 2019 from glioblastoma, the most common and deadliest brain cancer, he was 28 years old. Derek was an amazing young man, he proudly served his country for nine years in the Army in the 82nd Airborne. He was so talented, he loved music and was a self taught DJ and music artist. Derek loved to travel too, where he went to 25 countries in less than three years. He also loved his family and friends deeply and will forever be a beautiful and kind soul. 

D-Rex Defenders raised over $10,500.00 in April 2022 and with a matching gift from an AAU anonymous donor, we received another $4,500.00 which brought our team to $15,000.00 raised in 2022! We are going big for 2023 and are raising our fundraising goal to $20,000.00!! Together, we can do it!  

Angels Among Us is taking place on Saturday, April 22, 2023. These critical funds that are raised will support cutting-edge research being done at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke Hospital, where Derek received treatment, care and support from so many Duke heroes. Your gift will be used for brain tumor research, which is monumental. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer related deaths in children (yes children!) and 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in adolescents and young adults, ages 15-39. Over 90% of our active military are under the age of 40. THIS MUST CHANGE! 

Thank you so much. Your donation will make a difference in our fight for a cure. We hope to see you there! 

Much Love,

Derek's family