Thanks for visiting our D-Rex Defenders page! This will be our sixth year with Angels Among Us (AAU) in honor and memory of our beloved Derek, who lost his life to glioblastoma less than a year after coming home to start his civilian life and as a veterna in April 2019. Derek was 28 years old.
Derek served his country for nine years in the Army in the 82nd Airborne, receiving many accolades and medals for his service. Derek became an explorer of the universe and an extreme traveler, visiting 25 different countries in less than three years, with thousands of Instagrammers following. Derek was a self-taught, passionate musician (his DJ name was D-Rex), taking listeners ona journey "around the word through music."
Thanks to all of our warriors out there for your donations. D-Rex Defenders raised over $13,000 in 2024. We want to go much bigger, funding for research is critical in this fight. So, we are raising our fundraising goal to $20,000.00!! Together, we can do it!
AAU is taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. These critical funds that are raised will support cutting-edge brain tumor research being done at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke Hospital, where Derek received treatment, care, love and support from so many Duke heroes. 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