This cache is dedicated to a very special young man.
I am proud to say he and his family are dear
friends of my family and I.
(The cache info is in red
below)
Derrick was hands down the bravest person
you could ever meet. At just 10 months old Derrick was diagnosed
with neurofibromatosis, which is a genetic disorder that made him
prone to soft tissue tumors that entwine with blood vessels, veins
and nerves. He was also diagnosed with severe scoliosis that ended
up collapsing one of his lungs at a very young age.
A small percentage of these tumors become
cancerous, this was the case with Derrick. In 2005, a malignant
tumor was found behind Derrick's left knee. Doctors did what they
could using chemotherapy, but it was unsuccessful and he had to
have his leg amputated in October of 2005. The whole time Derrick
stayed up beat and did more comforting to his visitors then they
did for him.
In November of 2007, more bad news was given to
Derrick and his family. The cancer had returned, this time
attacking both his lungs. Derrick fought this cancer tirelessly
making regular trips to the hospitals in Iowa City for more
chemotherapy and a surgery to remove part of his lung. Derrick was
pronounced cancer free the summer of 2008.
In January 2009 Derrick and his family received
the dreaded news that the cancer had once again returned. This time
doctors told Derrick there was no treatment and only gave him a few
months. On June 2nd of 2009, he was checked into the Cedar Valley
Hospice Home. Again Derrick did way more comforting to the many
visitors he had then they did for him. The doctors said it was
down to days if not hours now. Derrick (to nobody's surprise)
proved them wrong and fought for almost another 4 weeks. Over his
lifetime Derrick endured over 20 surgeries, never giving up.
Derrick was 15 years, 10 months, 19 days old when cancer beat his
body on June 27th, 2009. But, Derrick beat cancer by never letting
it kill his spirit, showing this by wearing a bandana with the
phrase "Cancer Fears Me".
I can honestly say it was an honor to
just know Derrick! He will be deeply missed, but never
forgotten!
The cache should be easy enough
to grab. It's a small sized cache that will be at the end of a
little hike and a small amount of
bushwhacking.