The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 29: Chris Derendal
7 years ago today’s dedication recommitted to a healthier lifestyle for his wife (Bonnie) and two kids (Carter and Ella). He stay committed and dropped over 100lbs. Unfortunately, shortly after, he began to experience stomach pain. Tests and scans confirmed he had stage 4 colon cancer.
Chris is a warrior. His family lost count of how many rounds of chemo he has been through after 50. He’s had 70% of liver removed, getting 12-14 liters of fluid drained weekly.
Despite the challenges, brother in law and nominator, Jake says, “he is a man of faith and lives loving what each day brings. He does not seem like he worries about tomorrow.”
When asked about his journey, Chris replied, “I try my best to not let cancer define me, but it has gotten more difficult as the years have gone on. For the most part, anytime I’m with family is when the cancer diagnosis is ignored and life is lived. Gotta keep making those good memories!”
Chris’s impact goes far behind his household, “Chris inspires me because with everything that’s going on in his life, whenever our family is together, he always finds the joy in the little things and acts like the cancer isn’t even a thing. He’s so positive about being happy in the moment! His joy and positivity gives me strength every time I see or think of him! Thanks for the inspiration, encouragement, strength and all the laughs you provide every time I see you,” says Jake.
Every Day We Fight is blessed to Dedicate Day 29 of 32 to strong and resilient fighter, Chris Derendal.
Team Murph: 23:50
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website