Eight-year-old Derek Dym, son of retired NYPD Lt. Eric Dym, lost his courageous 14-month battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy of bravery that touched thousands of supporters across the country.
At a Glance
- Derek Dym passed away on May 1 after fighting DMG Glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, for 14 months
- A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $600,000 to help the family with medical expenses
- The family sold their home and lived in an RV in Los Angeles while Derek underwent treatments
- Despite conventional and alternative treatments, Derek’s condition worsened and he entered hospice care in March
- He is remembered for his love of Minecraft, swimming, art, and extraordinary courage throughout his battle
A Life Cut Short by Rare Brain Cancer
Derek Dym, the 8-year-old son of retired NYPD Lieutenant Eric Dym, passed away on May 1, 2025, after battling Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) for 14 months. The young boy’s journey with cancer began with headaches while the family was living in Bali, having embarked on what was supposed to be a dream adventure in Asia.
The troubling symptoms prompted the family to return to the United States, where Derek was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive brain cancer at age 7. The inoperable tumor showed minimal response to conventional treatments, devastating the family who had been planning a year of international travel.
“Derek fought so hard,” his broken-hearted dad told The Post. “This cancer is just a monster.”
Financial Struggle and Community Support
The Dym family sacrificed everything in their fight to save Derek. They sold their home and exhausted their financial resources, including 401Ks and credit cards, to fund his treatment. For over a year, the family lived in an RV in Los Angeles while Derek underwent radiation and oral chemotherapy. Insurance eventually covered some costly medications, but the family faced significant co-pays and out-of-network expenses that quickly mounted. As medical bills piled up, the community rallied behind the Dyms, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $600,000 to help cover expenses.
“We always thought if anybody could beat it, it would be Derek,” said Dym, an ex-Marine and co-host of a New York City-based podcast on policing.
Exhausting All Treatment Options
The Dyms researched DMG Glioma extensively but found limited answers and no cure for the aggressive cancer. They pursued every possible treatment option, combining traditional medical approaches with alternative treatments. In addition to radiation and chemotherapy, the family invested in alternative therapies including a sound-therapy machine and a device using low-frequency electric fields. They also tried red-light therapy, hoping for any sign of improvement. Despite these efforts, Derek’s condition progressively worsened, affecting his mobility and energy.
Final Days and a Legacy of Courage
As Derek’s health declined further, he entered hospice care on March 5. Laguna Beach police officers assisted the family in moving from their RV to an apartment for Derek’s comfort care. On Easter Sunday, Derek fell into a deep sleep from which he did not wake up. His younger sister, Ellie, has struggled to understand his absence, expressing a desire to join him with God. Throughout his battle, Derek maintained his love for Minecraft, swimming, and art, showing remarkable courage that inspired everyone around him.
A Nation Touched by One Boy’s Fight
Derek’s story resonated with thousands across the country who followed his journey through social media and news coverage. Strangers were moved by the family’s dedication, as parents Eric and Luiza left no stone unturned in their quest to save their son. The financial and emotional support provided by the community demonstrates how one child’s bravery can unite people from all walks of life. Despite the tragic outcome, Derek’s legacy lives on through the awareness he brought to DMG Glioma and the inspiration his courage provided to others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
