From Dave and Monica Pope

Dearest family and friends,

We are writing this with heavy but hopeful, praying hearts. Last month, our entire world was turned upside-down when our son Derek was diagnosed with an extremely rare tumor in his heart and lung. It’s something you never expect to hear about your child, someone you love and cherish so deeply, and we are still trying to process everything as it unfolds each day.

We are starting this GoFundMe to help support Derek as he undergoes further testing, biopsies or possibly even open-heart surgery, followed by treatments. Both the diagnosis and what is ahead is emotionally overwhelming, but it also brings heavy financial burdens. Derek has been in the hospital for almost four weeks with the last three weeks being at UCSF. The hospitalization and time away from work have already started to create a financial strain for him and Melinda. We want him to be able to focus on healing, not worrying about bills, debt, lost income or the many expenses that come with a fight like this.

Derek is a wonderful son, brother and uncle, but his proudest role is at home. He is a loving partner to his girlfriend, Melinda, a devoted father to his son, Legend, and an incredible father figure to Melinda’s son, River. He shows up for them with spiritual leadership, patience, strength, silliness, and so much love. They are his world, and every step he’s taking in this fight is for them.

Derek’s faith in Jesus Christ has always guided him, but during this journey it has shown brighter than ever. His relationship with God has given him peace, courage, and hope, and his trust in God’s plan has encouraged everyone around him. His faith is not only sustaining him but also uplifting all of us.

Even while hospitalized and facing the unknown, Derek remains positive and optimistic. He embraced this battle with the same energy and light he inherited from his Papa Joe, whose joyful spirit and incredible ability to make people smile, clearly lives on in Derek. He has been cracking jokes with nurses, lifting up everyone he meets, and keeping his family smiling even on the hardest of days.

Every donation, prayer, and share truly means more than words can express. Derek is ready to beat this, with faith, with love, with humor, and with all of us behind him. Thank you for standing with him.