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Help Derek and Susan!

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Update November 16th, 2016:

On November 18th, it will be a year since we said goodbye to Derek. Susan and Derek’s family have faced the year of “firsts" without him, together – as he would have wanted. At the end of October, Susan even held a gathering to celebrate Derek's birthday (which many of you know much he loved). Derek's kind and welcoming spirit is sorely missed by so many and all of the wonderful memories shared with him are cherished deeply.

I know Derek would be so proud of Sue and how she has faced the challenges of raising their two beautiful children without him. Harper is such a smart and beautiful little girl and Griffin is so loving and adorable. Despite the tremendous loss and pain, Sue continues on with grace and determination that many of us would only hope we could have if faced with similar circumstances. Being a sole caregiver and provider to a toddler and a child with special needs while grieving such a loss is unfathomable.

Recently, I have been asked if this fundraising campaign is still available and I wanted to let all of you know that it most certainly still is. The donations received to date have greatly helped Susan with the funeral, household, and extra therapy costs.

Derek was so appreciative of all of the fundraising efforts and was very touched by the show of love and support by all you. Please join me in continuing this campaign of support and love for Sue, Griffy and Harper. 

Thank you.

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Original post:

Everyone who knows Derek knows what an incredible person he is. A close friend, Anna Judge, really describes Derek the best. On Facebook, she made the following post:

"Have you ever met someone that didn't judge you, cared for you, would do anything for you in their capacity, never asked questions, put your needs before their own, smiled at you every single time they see your face, saved people without knowing it and was one of the best people you ever met? Anyone who knows Derek can say yes." 

The answer to her question is definitely YES!!! Derek is truly a treasured friend to have. Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been especially challenging for Derek, Sue and their children. While attending a family dinner in September, Derek felt numbness on his right side. Sue’s sister took him to the hospital that night and a CT scan revealed swelling and tumours in his brain. Since then, he has undergone numerous tests and brain surgery which resulted in a diagnosis of Grade 4 – Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumour. Shortly, he will begin weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments to continue his fight against cancer.

Despite Derek’s devastating diagnosis, Susan maintains her strength and “we are going to beat this” attitude. She is a strong advocate for Derek and is focused on ensuring he gets the best treatment. If this and raising their beautiful baby girl, Harper, weren’t already enough to tackle, their 3 year old son, Griffin, was diagnosed with autism in July and has just started his therapy sessions. Again, Susan has been steadfast in her advocacy for their sweet boy.

Throughout the coming months, Susan and Derek, along with their incredibly supportive immediate family members, need to remain focused on their fight against cancer. Many friends and other loved ones have asked how to help as now, more than ever, they need our support. And, as much as they need our encouragement, they need our generosity as well. We hope by raising funds for Derek, Susan and their children, we can ease a little of the anxieties and concerns they are facing on the road ahead. Thank you in advance for your consideration and any contribution you are able to make.

Please note: If you prefer to contribute via cheque or transfer, a trust fund has been set up in Derek and Susan’s name at the Aldergrove Credit Union.  Here are the details:
Payable to: In Trust for the Watts-Arruda family
Account #677553

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Donations 

  • Bernice Boe
    • $100 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Donna Alary
Organizer
Abbotsford, BC

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