Support Derek's Fight Against Brain Cancer

My name is Chrissy and my husband's name is Paul Manicone, and we are friends of the Dym family. We are desperately trying to raise funds for this sweet family so they can continue seeking treatment for their son, Derek, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Paul is a retired Lieutenant for the NYPD, and connected with Eric through his podcast @TheFinestUnfiltered. These funds will be used for medical bills, transportation, debt incurred from medical bills and any other needs related to continued treatment.

Just one year ago, 7-year-old Derek was loving life. He was traveling, swimming, learning jiu-jitsu, and doing great in school! One day, everything changed for the Dym family. While on vacation, Derek started complaining about headaches. His parents, Eric (veteran and retired NYPD) and Luiza, took him to a clinic in Bali after 2 days of persistent headaches in a child who never complained. The clinic gave him a physical exam, determined nothing was wrong, and sent him home to be monitored for the next three days. But his parents knew something was wrong with their son. They brought him back and asked for bloodwork. That evening, with no headaches, they received a “WhatsApp” message that Derek’s blood work was abnormal, and he needed immediate medical attention. This is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Currently out of the country, in Bali, they found the nearest hospital and rushed Derek in. They performed a CT scan, and within a few minutes, the Dym family were meeting with an oncologist. Their worst fears were confirmed. Derek had a stage 4 DMG Glioma; inoperable brain cancer.

Struggling to communicate with doctors in Bali, they booked a flight back home, planning to take Derek to Johns Hopkins in Maryland. With a layover in Los Angeles, Derek began excessively vomiting and his parents knew he would not be able to sustain the connecting flight, so they were forced to remain in L.A., bringing him to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles where he continues to seek treatment.

In the past year, Eric and Luiza have depleted their savings, cashed out their 401k’s, sold their home, maxed out their credit cards and are now living in an RV. They no longer have the financial capability to continue seeking treatment for their son.

Luiza has done extensive research, trying to find alternative medicine and clinical trials. She has purchased a red light therapy helmet for $4000 and a sound wave therapy machine for $10,000. In addition to this, there have been so many unexpected out-of-network medical expenses that are overwhelming. Though Derek was able to secure a spot in a clinical trial, he was removed due to tumor growth.

Today, 8-year-old Derek struggles to walk. He cannot use his right arm, sleeps most of the day, and is in cognitive decline. His sweet loving 3-year-old sister, Ellie, holds his hand to help him walk and helps feed him.

In addition to Eric’s tenure in the NYPD, he is also a Marine Veteran, proudly serving four years in Iraq. These are good people, trying desperately to save their son and the financial burden has become overwhelming. If you can help them, please consider donating. This wonderful family has exhausted all other options.