San Diego resident, Derek Johnston 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!
Derek 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.
Cancer has devastated Derek’s life. Over the course of months, he dropped from 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 40lbs 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 over 29%! 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! To help Derek continue with this life-saving treatment,members of the San Diego independent film community, comedy community, music community and more will gather together for a 12 hour live streamed telethon on the Internet in support of our friend Derek Johnston and his fight against cancer. We hope you will join us as we raise awareness, raise funds and hopefully raise spirits for our friend.
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!
It’s not too late to join the team! Simply email us atjumpstartalife@gmail.com and let us know how you’d like to help! Or you can contribute directly to Derek on his personal GoFundMetoday!