Paul Derderian was my hematology and oncology specialist he came on in 2000. From the time I first met the man was born with a smile on his face and know matter what kind of day he was having he was always smiling.  He Also saved my life /

And in return all he wanted was me to Pray with him!

      What a Man

I never got to meet Dr. Derderian personally. My Mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer the day before I left for college in 2005. Unfortunately, she passed away at the end of July 2010. But I know how much she appreciated him both as a doctor, and as a person. She was devastated when she heard that his cancer came back. And so was I. I truly believe that he helped give her the hope and strength, far beyond modern medicine, that kept her with me for those five years. And for that, I am eternally thankful. 

I know how hard it is to lose a loved one to cancer, and my heart goes out to his wife and children. 

Stephanie Jearlds

I was lucky enough to get to know Paul very well in the spring of 2004 on a missions trip to El Salvador.  I remember being apprehensive leading up to the trip because I knew ahead of time that I would be sharing a room for the week with Paul, whom I didn't know well at the time.  It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life and the start of a great friendship.  We had the opportunity to share lots about life and God during that week. Paul and I continued to be close friends over the following years through many breakfast meetings and an occasional dinner or social gathering. 

Paul was an inspiration to me in so many ways.  He always was good for a big smile and a laugh and when things got serious, he helped me to keep life in perspective.  He had a true passion for our Lord and for living life to the fullest. 

Paul treated many of my patients as well and he would always send uplifting messages back to me via my patients like "tell McKenzie that I think he's ugly".  I'd have a laugh with my patients and return the favor.  But, in spite of the lightheartedness, I knew that Paul genuinely cared for his patients and delivered compassionate care to those who were going through some of life's most difficult challenges. 

Paul was a great doctor and a great friend to me.  I miss you already, brother, and look forward to being re-joined with you in eternity with our Lord Jesus.

Keith McKenzie

When a medical layman like myself encounters cancer they need direction from someone who is an expert like Paul was.  I was refer-ed to him from my family Dr. and our relationship was an instant success.  I was at ease around him because I and my family could tell that he truly cared about what he did for his patients.  His first question to me when I found out that my cancer was pancreatic cancer, was to ask me if I thought that I was willing to go the distance to fight this "thing".  I remember him smiling that huge grin of his when I said that I was going to be one of those people that was going to beat this type of cancer.  It is now four years later and my family and I truly believe that Paul is one of the main reasons that I am still here and healthy. 

My wife and I had many in depth conversations with him over the years that he treated me, and faith was probably one of the things that we discussed the most.  I know that it helped me get through my battles and I know deep in my heart that Paul put great store in his faith of our Lord.  I am sorry to lose him as a physician, but I am more sorry about losing him as a friend and confidant.  I will get by these trying times knowing that he is truly with his Lord.  I will always keep him as my Guiding Light!

Dennis K. Brady - patient

I met Paul 15 years ago when he was a Board Member at Mount Clemens General Hospital and I worked in Administration.   Paul asked me to become his oncology office manager just over 5 years ago in September, 2005.  It was then that our families became friends too.  Paul offered to hire my daughters as summer temps for the healthcare exposure, since they both wanted to go into healthcare.  They also babysat occasionallly for the Derderian children. 

My husband Don and I went with Tracy and Paul, to a conference in Colorado in January, 2007.  We kept their children entertained, while Tracy and Paul could go to dinner, etc.  They introduced us to skiing and we introduced them to snowmobiling while there.  Little did we know that 2 months later in March, 2007, Paul would diagnosis Don with stage 4 stomach cancer. He was always there for our whole family, day or night. He stopped at our home on his way home to check on him. Don went through chemo in our office and eventually had his stomach removed at Henry Ford.   Paul called his collegues and we had the royal treatment when going to appointments.  Don passed 10 months later, but with a close relationship to God with the help of Paul.   Because we had joined Rockpointe Community Church just months prior to Don's diagnosis, with the encouragement of Paul.  Our whole family benefitted from our closeness with God when Don passed.  We continue to hold on to that strength every day. 

In 2008, Paul started treating my dad for lung and prostate cancer after battling it for 8 years.  Paul had the same concern for my dad and family as he had for all his patients.  When Paul was diagnosed with cancer himself in April, 2008, it was devastating to all who worked for him and knew him.  He had worked so hard to build his medical practice, take care of others, sharing God's word, and putting his family first.    Now it was time to fight back.  He put his total faith in God and fought so very hard to beat the disease that he had helped so many others deal with before him.    Even though Paul was going through his own health issues, when my dad passed last fall, Paul came to his funeral.

Paul loved his family.  Tracy was everything to him.  Each child had their own special place in his heart.  He always lit up when his cell phone rang while in the office, and it was one of the children calling to ask when he was coming home.

Paul will truly be missed. It is comforting to know that Paul is with Don and my Dad looking down on us.  I am blessed to have so many angels in heaven.

Diane Houser

Our son Cameron invited Noah over for a sleepover this past winter.  My mother-in-law stayed with the boys while we ran a few errands.  The roads were snow covered and it was very cold outside.  Being the young boys that they are, Cameron and Noah wanted to rent a video and eat snacks.  Paul found out and so he wanted to go out and rent them a movie.  Martin and I asked Paul not to bother that we would find a movie for the boys.  But, by the time we returned home, Paul was soon at our door with 2 new movies and snacks for the boys. He was determined to see a smile on their faces and help in any way he could.  

The Spusta's (Friends and Neighbors)