Derek Jr Fights DIPG

A short time ago, Derek Jr, age 15, started having some blurry and double vision. When a prescription for glasses didn’t help, it was suggested they take him in for an MRI. The MRI revealed the cause.  On October 16th, the Kalis family was hit with devastating news. Derek Jr was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or DIPG.  DIPG primarily affects children, with most diagnoses occurring between 5 and 7 years of age. It makes up 10-15% of all brain tumors in children, with about 150-300 new diagnoses per year in the United States. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of children survive two years from diagnosis. (source DIPG.org) Time is of the essence for this beautiful family of 8. His parents, Derek Sr and Rebecca, and his 5 siblings, want to make the very most of the time they have together. This is where you come in! Derek’s job has already been affected due to the virus, but now the goal is to keep him home with his family as much as possible. Jr is currently working on a bucket list so we can help make all his dreams come true. Any donation, big or small will help us achieve this goal! *Rebecca and Derek are the sole beneficiaries to this fundraiser and all funds (less the fees) will go straight to them.  Jr is currently being cared for by a wonderful team of doctors and nurses at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.  He will be going to the University of Michigan to hopefully be accepted into one of the clinical trials offered there. Should that not work out, they will be exploring all options for further treatment.  We are in no way giving up the fight against this beast, but we are also realistic knowing the statistics.  Jr and his family have a long road ahead of them and we need to do whatever we can to help make that road a little less bumpy. Updates from appointments and the bucket list will be posted as we get them. Whether or not you are able to donate, please keep Derek Jr and his family in your prayers and PLEASE share this fundraiser.