Hi.. My name is Cyndie French and I am Derek's mom. Our personal struggle with childhood cancer is what inspired me to help others going through similar circumstances.  Derek was diagnosed on Thanksgiving Day 2004 with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. He passed away on May 11, 2006, three days before Mother's Day.

During those eighteen months I learned what commitment truly meant. In the months that followed his diagnosis we were constantly at the hospital or scheduling appointments to support the treatment. I had to stop working to take care of his daily needs because I had no other choice. I had no other means by which to support myself and four other children. I survived emotionally and financially by God's grace through gifts given by friends and help from the community....

As Derek became more disoriented and difficult with each appointment and the progress of the cancer, focus on anything but Derek and my family's survival was near impossible.  The Sacramento Bee followed our story for an entire year and on July 9th through the 12th of '06 our story was first featured front page for four days and again as a twenty page insert when it won the Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism in April '07. It was an honor to be chosen as the focus of "A Mother's Journey" and has helped in my decision to pursue Derek's Wish. I feel I have only done what any mother would have tried to do in my situation.  I did my best to make every moment special knowing time was of the essence.  I vowed to him that I would try to help people understand what it is like to endure a terminal diagnosis and remind them how important it is to help others in similar situations.  More than anything, he wanted to just be "normal" and to be treated as a person, not as a cancer victim. I promised Derek I would help people "GET IT'' so here I am. Please remember Derek and the hundreds like him every year that get their lives cut short by this disease. 

Please help ease the burden on a family going through the emotional and financial challenges and help allow them time to spend with their child.  This is the most precious gift in the most vital moment. Making a difference begins with you. Will you help us??? You never know when you, your family, friends or a co-worker might be the ones in need.