A Family’s Journey Through Adventure and Adversity: The Dym Family’s Fight Against Cancer

A Dream Adventure Turns into a Nightmare

Retired NYPD Lt. Eric Dym and his family had envisioned a life of adventure and discovery. After dedicating 20 years to fighting crime in the South Bronx, Eric, along with his wife Luiza and their two children, set out on a journey through Asia. Their plans included learning jiu-jitsu, studying Buddhism, and connecting with nature. However, their dream trip took an unexpected and devastating turn when their 7-year-old son, Derek, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. This diagnosis shattered their plans and plunged the family into a fight for Derek’s life, forcing them to confront unimaginable challenges head-on.

The family had been in Bali when Derek began experiencing persistent headaches. Initially dismissed as minor by a local clinic, the severity of his condition became clear when a CT scan revealed a brain mass. Without hesitation, the Dyms made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their belongings behind and rush Derek to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. However, their journey was interrupted in Los Angeles, where Derek required immediate medical attention. For months, the family stayed in hotels and later at the Ronald McDonald House before Eric purchased an RV to create a makeshift home near Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, where Derek would undergo treatment.

A Desperate Fight for Derek’s Life

Derek’s condition has proven to be one of the most challenging battles the family has ever faced. His tumor, located beneath a vital area of the brain, is inoperable and has shown little response to radiation and chemotherapy. After a clinical trial denied Derek entry due to the tumor’s growth, the family turned to alternative treatments, including a $5,000 medication they hoped would slow the progression. Eventually, insurance covered a costly drug priced at $40,000 per month, but the process of getting approval was arduous.

The financial burden of Derek’s treatment has been overwhelming. Despite Eric’s NYPD pension and health insurance, the family has faced over $50,000 in co-pays and out-of-network costs. They have drained their 401Ks, maxed out credit cards, and sacrificed their financial security to ensure Derek receives the care he needs. “We have to start from scratch all over again,” Eric says, reflecting on the constant struggle to secure funds for future expenses.

A Rare and Mysterious Enemy: DMG Glioma

Derek’s diagnosis of DMG Glioma, a rare and frequently fatal form of brain cancer affecting only about 300 children annually in the U.S., has left the family seeking answers. Eric and Luiza have tirelessly researched the disease, consulting with doctors at major children’s hospitals and poring over studies, only to find limited understanding of its cause or cure. “They don’t have a cure, and they don’t know how it forms,” Eric explains. “They can’t tell us how he got it.” This lack of answers has only deepened the family’s anguish.

In desperation, Luiza has explored alternative treatments, purchasing a $4,000 red-light therapy helmet and a $10,000 sound-therapy machine, though their impact on the tumor remains uncertain. Despite these efforts, Derek’s condition has recently taken a turn for the worse. Now 8 years old, he can barely walk, his right arm is immobile, and he spends most of his days fatigued and sleeping. Yet, Derek’s courage and resilience inspire his family. “This kid’s my hero,” Eric says. “He’s brave. He never complains—and that gives me strength.”

A Community Rallies Around the Dym Family

As Derek’s story has spread on social media, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe page launched by friends has raised over $154,000 to date, offering some relief from the financial burden. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness of strangers and the oppressive kindness of their community. These donations have not only eased their financial stress but have also reminded them that they are not alone in this fight.

Hope and Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

Despite the immense challenges they face, the Dym family remains determined to fight for Derek’s future. “We have no idea how this happened—he’s a healthy kid one day, and his life changed in a second,” Eric reflects. Yet, they refuse to give up. “We have to stand up and fight against cancer,” he says resolutely. Luiza adds, “I want to know why this is happening to my son, and how to fix it.” It’s a sentiment echoed in every MRI, every prayer, and every moment they spend together as a family.

For now, the Dyms continue to cherish the small joys—like Derek’s love for Minecraft, a gift from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the bond he shares with his little sister, Ellie, who holds his hand and feeds him during his weakest moments. Their story is one of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of love. As they navigate this difficult journey, the Dyms remind us all of the power of hope and the importance of never giving up, even in the darkest of times.