Help Kristina Care For Derek In His Final Months

Hi, my name is Kristina Wagner, and I'm reaching out on behalf of my fiancé, Justin Kenyon — though most people know him as Derek.

He was recently diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. His diagnosis is terminal. The tumor is inoperable, and doctors have given us a prognosis of a few months to a year, depending on how well he responds to palliative chemotherapy.

Derek is only 49 years old. He’s kind, witty, and full of love — and he means everything to me. His 50th birthday is June 14th, and while we’re hoping he makes it to that milestone, we’re painfully aware that every day together is a gift.

After a grueling 6 weeks and 1 day in the hospital, Derek finally came home in the early hours of April 1st. Since then, our lives have revolved around his care — with visits from home health aides, palliative care nurses, physical and occupational therapists. Derek is very weak, has lost significant muscle mass, and is extremely tired. It’s been overwhelming — emotionally, physically, and financially.

I’ve become his full-time caregiver, and we’ve had to make major changes at home to keep him safe and comfortable. Insurance wouldn’t cover a fully automatic bed, so I had to purchase one out-of-pocket — just over $4,000. That was only the beginning. We’ve faced mounting expenses for medical supplies, home adjustments, transportation to appointments, and the countless little things that add up when caring for someone with advanced illness.

With chemo starting this Tuesday, we’re bracing for more — more expenses, more uncertainty, and hopefully… more time.

I also want to share how proud I am of my 17-year-old son, Robert. He has been my absolute rock. He helped pack, lift, clean, rearrange, and even move furniture into storage to make space for Derek’s care. He’s also kept up with every household task I’ve been too overwhelmed to do. And somehow, through it all, he’s maintained straight A’s in his magnet high school program. He’s on track to graduate with an advanced high school diploma and an associate’s degree in computer programming.

Derek isn’t Robert’s biological father, but he’s helped raise him since Robert was just three years old. They’re incredibly close. And it breaks my heart to think Derek may not live long enough to see Robert graduate, go to college, or step into the incredible future he’s building.

Derek and I started dating on June 25, 2012, after years of friendship. He has truly been my knight in shining armor. We’ve been through so much together — including losing almost everything we owned during Hurricane Michael. But we’ve always found our way back, side by side. It’s been us against the world.

Even our rescue dog, Idget, is grieving. She’s always been a “daddy’s girl,” and this was their first time apart. Since he returned, she hasn’t left his side.

We used to dream of moving to the mountains together. That dream won’t come true — but I’m doing everything in my power to give him peace, love, and dignity in the time we have left.

Your kindness will help us:

Provide Derek with a safe, comfortable home environment

Cover medical supplies and equipment insurance won’t

Pay for transportation to chemo and appointments

Afford nutritional support and comfort items

Relieve financial stress so I can remain his full-time caregiver

We’re not asking for a miracle — just a little relief, a little comfort, and the chance to make the time Derek has left as peaceful and pain-free as possible.

If you’re able to donate or share, it would mean the world to me, Derek, and Robert.

Thank you for walking with us through the hardest journey of our lives.

With deep gratitude and love,

Kristina Wagner