lopemuscle's Blogs

This is the heartbreaking story of Derek Mansen, a 10-year-old boy from Sacramento, California.

It was in the summer of 2005 that Derek and his mother, Cindy French, were struck by catastrophic news.

Indeed, Derek learns that he is suffering from a very aggressive form of cancer, a neuroblastoma.

The mother and son decide to fight the disease together, and then a photographer named Renee Byer offers to document this difficult adventure.

These photos allowed Renee Byer to win a Pullitzer Prize and as you will see, they are heartbreaking.

Derek had a bone marrow extraction to see if he was fit to have a transplant.

However, the pain was unbearable when she woke up.

Derek's mother was always present during the difficult announcements.

In the previous photo, she gives Derek a hug after he learns that he will have to undergo painful surgery again.

Through the episodes of pain and fear, Derek enjoyed every little moment of joy that passed in order to forget his worries for brief moments.

But the fight was also very difficult for Derek's mom.

Unfortunately, although the doctors tried everything, they eventually had to tell Derek and his mother that there was nothing more to do.

Soon, the tumors attacked many parts of his body.

And the doctors gave Derek one last dose of painkillers so he could leave without suffering.

Derek left in the arms of his mother, while she sang her favorite song.

The story of Derek makes us realize that we must enjoy every moment with our loved ones.

We must savor every moment and never hesitate to let them know that we love them.