Derrick Edwin was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in November 2021 at the age of 43. He is a seasoned triathlete who unknowingly competed in an Iron Man competition in September 2021 while having cancer. His love for cycling is one that led him to the world of triathlons. Open water swimming has become a passion of his over the past few years. So when his buddy Steve Chestler asked him to participate in SAA in honor of Carolyn Chestler, it was a no brainer. Team Carolyn!! Lets Go!!

Derrick’s kind and compassionate nature donates his time to Catholic Charities where his duties have included delivering meals to the elderly during the Covid pandemic to dressing up as an elf and delivering gifts to special needs adults. Now one of Derrick’s passions is Swim Across America. His hope is to raise money for cancer research to help future cancer warriors fight this terrible disease. 

Those that know and love Derrick were shocked by his diagnosis as he is a healthy person and lives a clean lifestyle. Derrick is 18 months into his battle with cancer and is being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering. He was fortunate to have the genetic makeup to be a candidate for the immunotherapy Cetuximab and thus far has seen remarkable results. A combination of the medication, positivity, and resilience have been crucial in his journey. During a typical treatment you will find Derrick doing his push up regimen (10 sets x the number of treatments). He has friends and even some nurses joining in his quest. 

His hope is to spread his passion for cancer research. Please join us in by either joining a swim, volunteering, or donating to this cause. 

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims with one goal: to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies. Since then, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care. 

Thank you for helping me #MakeWavesToFightCancer.