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Derek Hunsinger is a two-time IHSA Class A State Champion(2002,2003). He finished third place in 2001 and had 135 career wins. Derek went onto wrestle have a college career at NIU. Derek was a standout football player for El Paso High School as well. He helped lead El Paso to the Class 1A title game where he rushed for 180 yards and a score in the state finale. He also had eight tackles in that game.Derek only played in four games as a freshman because of a broken ankle, but led El Paso to a 27-0 Mid-State Conference record in his final three seasons. Derek finished his career by earning all-state honors on the gridiron and broke a number of school records, including career rushing yards, most rushing yards in a season (1,925), most touchdowns in a season (31) and most points scored in a season (188). He also led the team in tackles from his linebacker position with 117 stops and nine sacks. Derek was named an Academic All-State selection during his junior and senior seasons.
On 3/29/2013, Derek found out he had testicular cancer that had already spread to his lymph nodes and a created a Pringles can sized mass around the base of his spine. The mass also wrapped around his abdomen another 10”x 18”. Derek is only 28yrs old. Doctors immediately removed one of his testicles and began chemo treatments. The first week in the hospital Derek almost passed away twice due to the size of the cancer mass and it putting pressure on a main aortic vein to his heart. Derek in the true since of his athletic past was able to push through and endure multiply aggressive chemo treatments each day over the following several days and is now out of the hospital and back home. Derek still has a long journey ahead of him over the next several months as he continues the aggressive chemo treatments to either make the mass disappear or shrink to a smaller size so it can be removed.
The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. This is a scary time for the family on so many different levels. Derek is a Union Roofer who isn’t getting paid while he is off fighting this Cancer battle. Regular bills need to be paid and food needs to go on the table. Derek’s wife has had to put her work on hold to care of him and their three Children that are 5yrs old, 3 years old and 2yrs old. Derek’s family would be grateful for any help that can be provided. If you would like to help Derek and his family in their time of need here are a few ways to do so:
Heartland Bank and Trust Company is now accepting donations to the, “Hunsinger Benefit Fund”. There are branches all over the area and all are accepting donations for Derek. They can handle a transfer of funds by calling them, or checks can be sent directly to the bank.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
45 N. Fayette St. El Paso IL 61738
309-527-4400
Take Them a Meal
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=LVIH8269
This website allows you to buy dinners for Derek’s family. It is easy to work and doesn’t take much time to do. If you can’t take a meal you can click on the word, “send” next to, “what I plan to bring” and the meals are already set up for the number of people in Derek’s family. You can ensure there is dinner on the table just by visiting this website and you don’t even have to live near by.
The Derek Hunsinger 5k benefit run on 5/19/13.
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/ElPaso/DerekHunsinger5k
Derek Hunsinger 5k fun run/walk starts at 9:00am. The location is 600 N. Elm St in El Paso. The race fee is $25.00 and includes a t-shirt. T-shirts can be purchased if not running for $15.00. The course will be started at the high school parking lot and will go North up the bike/walking path, crossing over 1100 N, and returning the same way back to the high school.
Please contact Lindsey Hunsinger at: 309-310-3281 for any general race day questions or Kenzie Wilkey at: 309-706-0620 for any sponsorship questions or general race day questions.
At the end of the day we are all one big wrestling family. Please open your hearts to this great family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
On 3/29/2013, Derek found out he had testicular cancer that had already spread to his lymph nodes and a created a Pringles can sized mass around the base of his spine. The mass also wrapped around his abdomen another 10”x 18”. Derek is only 28yrs old. Doctors immediately removed one of his testicles and began chemo treatments. The first week in the hospital Derek almost passed away twice due to the size of the cancer mass and it putting pressure on a main aortic vein to his heart. Derek in the true since of his athletic past was able to push through and endure multiply aggressive chemo treatments each day over the following several days and is now out of the hospital and back home. Derek still has a long journey ahead of him over the next several months as he continues the aggressive chemo treatments to either make the mass disappear or shrink to a smaller size so it can be removed.
The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. This is a scary time for the family on so many different levels. Derek is a Union Roofer who isn’t getting paid while he is off fighting this Cancer battle. Regular bills need to be paid and food needs to go on the table. Derek’s wife has had to put her work on hold to care of him and their three Children that are 5yrs old, 3 years old and 2yrs old. Derek’s family would be grateful for any help that can be provided. If you would like to help Derek and his family in their time of need here are a few ways to do so:
Heartland Bank and Trust Company is now accepting donations to the, “Hunsinger Benefit Fund”. There are branches all over the area and all are accepting donations for Derek. They can handle a transfer of funds by calling them, or checks can be sent directly to the bank.
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
45 N. Fayette St. El Paso IL 61738
309-527-4400
Take Them a Meal
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=LVIH8269
This website allows you to buy dinners for Derek’s family. It is easy to work and doesn’t take much time to do. If you can’t take a meal you can click on the word, “send” next to, “what I plan to bring” and the meals are already set up for the number of people in Derek’s family. You can ensure there is dinner on the table just by visiting this website and you don’t even have to live near by.
The Derek Hunsinger 5k benefit run on 5/19/13.
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/ElPaso/DerekHunsinger5k
Derek Hunsinger 5k fun run/walk starts at 9:00am. The location is 600 N. Elm St in El Paso. The race fee is $25.00 and includes a t-shirt. T-shirts can be purchased if not running for $15.00. The course will be started at the high school parking lot and will go North up the bike/walking path, crossing over 1100 N, and returning the same way back to the high school.
Please contact Lindsey Hunsinger at: 309-310-3281 for any general race day questions or Kenzie Wilkey at: 309-706-0620 for any sponsorship questions or general race day questions.
At the end of the day we are all one big wrestling family. Please open your hearts to this great family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.