Supporting Derek Through his Brain Tumor Journey

As many of you may know, Derek is again undergoing the battle of his brain tumor, facing a new growth, known as a Grade II Astrocytoma.

Derek Dix's Journey began in 2016 with a diagnosis of a Brain Tumor on his Frontal Left Lobe. He has since been living with this tumor that is inoperable.

At this time he endured 29 sessions of Radiation, and following this months of Chemo therapy. 

We couldn't imagine in such a short time span that his brain tumor would develop a new growth, but at this time Derek is currently dealing with this situation in a new way.

His body has reached his capacity for Radiation, so that option is off the table.

Derek recently went through very intensive brain surgery, a Craniotomy, to remove as much of the new mass as possible, but the road doesn't end there. Derek will be back in for Chemo in hopes of stabilizing the tumor, but it is a long battle ahead.

Derek will be dealing with this his whole life, and not only the health complications accompanying it, but the mental challenges as well. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts are a reality for Derek, as he has to wake up with this in his brain every day.

The hard truth is, he needs everyone's help to get through this and live his life.
For a grade II Astrocytoma, the overall median survival is 8 years, but we are confident with Derek's strong  will and healthy lifestyle that we don't need to just look at a statistic.

The effect that a tumor, chemo, radiation, brain surgery and constant medication can have on one’s life, has
proven visible through the daily actions, and differences noticed in Derek’s life.

Derek is an incredibly motivated person, and has had strong ambitions for his entire adult life.
The differences we have observed in Derek since treatment, and since the discovery of his tumor initially through seizures, has been very
noticeable.
Brain surgery has certainly had an effect in his memory, and we do see improvements every day, which keeps us positive and motivated to fight.

The stress in Derek’s life caused by his disability have rendered it very hard for him to gather his thoughts, and act upon them in a practical and organized manner.
This does not relate only to tasks he needs to accomplish, but truly reflects the struggles it takes for him to wake up and organize his day.
Derek has always taken great care in his profession as a photographer and designer, and is very skilled at creating brands, but is limited in his ability to continue with his work, and ability to maintain a steady income due to his tumor, his treatments, his medications, and any other medical factors that have caused this new way of life as a result of his brain tumor.


After Treatment, and when life with Covid-19 looming, gets back to normal, Derek is motivated to spend time at a Fishing Resort in Northern BC to embrace what he truly loves - being in the wild. Give the man a tent and a mountain, and he will thrive.
We are asking you to help him achieve this, and assist getting him through daily life with limited ability to generate a livable income into the visible future.