Life-Saving Treatment for Derek Johnston
Donation protected
In October 2016, my brother Derek was diagnosed with stage 4 non clear cell kidney cancer, which has a low survival rate – but this story is set to have a happy ending, with your help! Please read on!

ABOUT DEREK
Derek lives in San Diego, CA. He had a successful career in Marketing and Communications, and is an active volunteer in the community. Derek is kind, loyal and has always been generous towards others. He is outgoing and super positive. Derek also trained many people around the world to be better communicators through his seminars and workshops. He wants so badly to be back at work and do what he loves to do in helping both children and adults.
OVERVIEW OF HIS ILLNESS
Cancer has devastated Derek’s life. Over the course of months, he dropped from his regular weight of 185lbs to 103lbs at 6 feet tall. Derek lost the ability to swallow and walk any further than a few steps, so he was put on a feeding tube and confined to bed, being taken very quickly by this terrible disease. His contract with his employer ended shortly after falling sick and he has not been able to work in over two years. In December 2016, he had his left kidney removed. His Kidney cancer has spread to his bones, lungs, and liver. Derek was at death’s door.
Derek was placed on an experimental immunology drug in clinical trails through the University of San Diego – and his turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. He has regained almost 30lbs and is now in stable condition, which we attribute to his love of life, sheer inner strength, positivity and many blessings.
Prior to Derek being on the latest medical trial, he was being treated with two other drugs that had horrible side-effects and proved not to work for him. He was dying. He was dying very quickly.
On the latest trial, however, Derek's tumors have shrunk 23%. His medical team is very impressed with his progress. There is hope for all of our loved ones because of volunteers like Derek who are being experimented on with this new cancer drug!

HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED
The trial medication/drug has also limited his options for care. Derek has no family in San Diego – but because he is on an experimental trial, he cannot leave San Diego for treatment elsewhere. There are no viable options left for his housing and living expenses, without withdrawing himself from this life-saving trial. Meanwhile, because of his weak condition and lack of stamina he has been unable to work. To keep him in this trial – which could help countless cancer patients -- we have completely exhausted his and my savings over the last two years.
Derek is working hard to build his strength, so he can get back to life! We need support for him to get stronger while this experimental drug continues to do miraculous effects.
We’ve done the calculations – for continued treatment, payment of medical bills, insurance and very modest living expenses as his medical trials continue, Derek needs approximately $85,000, in total, (2019 and 2020).
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Please help us support Derek on his journey back to health. He’s well on his way and his recovery has never been stronger, but if we cannot obtain the necessary funding to continue the treatment for him in San Diego, Derek will have to give up the trial and move in with me, out of state, and will certainly not survive.
Thank you so much for your generous support, so Derek can live, and get back to helping make the world a better place! Anything you can give will go to keeping him alive! God bless you.
Best wishes,
Darren Johnston
ABOUT DEREK
Derek lives in San Diego, CA. He had a successful career in Marketing and Communications, and is an active volunteer in the community. Derek is kind, loyal and has always been generous towards others. He is outgoing and super positive. Derek also trained many people around the world to be better communicators through his seminars and workshops. He wants so badly to be back at work and do what he loves to do in helping both children and adults.
OVERVIEW OF HIS ILLNESS
Cancer has devastated Derek’s life. Over the course of months, he dropped from his regular weight of 185lbs to 103lbs at 6 feet tall. Derek lost the ability to swallow and walk any further than a few steps, so he was put on a feeding tube and confined to bed, being taken very quickly by this terrible disease. His contract with his employer ended shortly after falling sick and he has not been able to work in over two years. In December 2016, he had his left kidney removed. His Kidney cancer has spread to his bones, lungs, and liver. Derek was at death’s door.
Derek was placed on an experimental immunology drug in clinical trails through the University of San Diego – and his turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. He has regained almost 30lbs and is now in stable condition, which we attribute to his love of life, sheer inner strength, positivity and many blessings.Prior to Derek being on the latest medical trial, he was being treated with two other drugs that had horrible side-effects and proved not to work for him. He was dying. He was dying very quickly.
On the latest trial, however, Derek's tumors have shrunk 23%. His medical team is very impressed with his progress. There is hope for all of our loved ones because of volunteers like Derek who are being experimented on with this new cancer drug!
HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED
The trial medication/drug has also limited his options for care. Derek has no family in San Diego – but because he is on an experimental trial, he cannot leave San Diego for treatment elsewhere. There are no viable options left for his housing and living expenses, without withdrawing himself from this life-saving trial. Meanwhile, because of his weak condition and lack of stamina he has been unable to work. To keep him in this trial – which could help countless cancer patients -- we have completely exhausted his and my savings over the last two years.
Derek is working hard to build his strength, so he can get back to life! We need support for him to get stronger while this experimental drug continues to do miraculous effects.
We’ve done the calculations – for continued treatment, payment of medical bills, insurance and very modest living expenses as his medical trials continue, Derek needs approximately $85,000, in total, (2019 and 2020).
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Please help us support Derek on his journey back to health. He’s well on his way and his recovery has never been stronger, but if we cannot obtain the necessary funding to continue the treatment for him in San Diego, Derek will have to give up the trial and move in with me, out of state, and will certainly not survive.
Thank you so much for your generous support, so Derek can live, and get back to helping make the world a better place! Anything you can give will go to keeping him alive! God bless you.
Best wishes,
Darren Johnston
Organizer
Derek Johnston
Organizer
San Diego, CA