My name is Denise, and Cassandra is a dear friend of mine. After much prayer, I felt led to step in and create this fundraiser on her behalf following the devastating loss of her beloved husband, Derek.

At 8:30am on 3/1/2026 Derek went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Derek was a funny, intelligent, and deeply generous man. His humor could light up a room, and his quick wit was something everyone appreciated. He had a brilliant mind and an even bigger heart. If someone needed help, Derek was there — without hesitation and without expecting anything in return. That was simply who he was.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, a loving father to three children, and a proud grandfather. His family was his greatest joy.

Cassandra is a faithful woman of God who has always leaned on Christ in every season of life. Today, she faces one of the hardest seasons imaginable — becoming a widow while carrying the weight of grief and sudden financial uncertainty.

She is currently not working and does not have insurance. The family is now facing significant medical expenses along with funeral costs during this heartbreaking time.

As a community, we have an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus — to lift Cassandra up not only in prayer, but through tangible support. Our hope is to ease this financial burden so she can focus on healing, her children, and her precious granddaughter.

If you feel led to give, any amount is a blessing and deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and continuing to pray for peace, strength, and provision over Cassandra and her family.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Let’s honor Derek’s life by surrounding his family with the same generosity and love that he so freely gave to others.