Deon Derrico recently shared an update on his mother’s health in a heartfelt birthday tribute.
In celebration of his mother Marian “GG” Derrico's 75th birthday, Deon took to Instagram on Tuesday, August 27th, to honor her journey and resilience. GG has shown incredible progress after halting chemotherapy, following a significant reduction in her cancerous tumor.
"Happy 75th Birthday to the matriarch of my family, Ms. Marian J. DERRICO!" Deon began in his post. "I love you, Ma, from the moon and back. Because of you... I am who I am today. I've been blessed with all I have, thanks to your endless love, guidance, strength, and your ability to connect with me intellectually from when I was just a child."
He continued with a heartfelt wish: "It’s my prayer, my wish, my hope, and my desire that GOD continues to bless you with abundant health and a vibrant lifestyle, allowing for another 25 years or more of being the mother, diva, and grandmother to all of your 15 grandchildren: Eric, Darian, Derrick, Dallas, Denver, Deniko, Dariz, Deonee, Dacian, Daiten, Diez, Dior, Dawsyn, De’Aren, and Dyver!"
The post was accompanied by several family photos, including images of GG with Deon and other family members, capturing moments of joy and togetherness. There was a particularly touching photo of GG with Deon and his former wife Karen, both dressed in snow gear.
The caption concluded with a tribute to GG’s enduring role in the family: "As they need your love and influence, as you are the oldest living relative we all have… To GOD be the GLORY."
Fans flooded the comments section with warm wishes for GG, celebrating her milestone birthday. One fan wrote, "Happy birthday, GG. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve to be celebrated with all the love and happiness. Have an amazing day." Another added, "Happy Birthday, GG. I hope you have the best day ever. You have the best family anyone could ever ask for. Xo."
GG's battle with cancer began in 2014, and in 2022, she discovered that a tumor in her lung had grown to the size of a baseball. However, a year later, she received the uplifting news that the tumor had shrunk significantly.
“It’s not just the physical fight,” she reflected during her treatment. “It’s the mental fight, it’s the emotional fight. I can only fight so much.”
After discontinuing chemotherapy, many fans were eager to know how GG was doing. In June, Deon revealed to "Parade" that her recovery has been “challenging.”
"GG is still dealing with the lingering effects of the chemo," he explained. "She has good days and bad days. Sometimes, I’m asking God, ‘What now?’ And then there are days where I think, ‘Wow, you’re looking great today.’"
The family has recently faced other changes as well, with Deon and Karen ending their nearly 20-year marriage while raising their 13 children. Despite the separation, they appear to remain on good terms, as evidenced by Karen’s touching Father’s Day post shortly after their divorce was finalized.
"Happy Father's Day to the best father any 14 children could ask for! @deonderrico," Karen wrote, accompanying a photo of the two with one of their daughters. "Also, to all the great fathers out there! Happy Father's Day, and may your day be filled with love, joy, and rest! 😊"
Deon expressed his gratitude in the comments, responding, "Awwww thank you @karenederrico for this ❤️❤️❤️."
The Quran - Chapter Al-Qalam : 33 - 34
That is the ˹way of Our˺ punishment ˹in this world˺. But the punishment of the Hereafter is certainly far worse, if only they knew.
Indeed, the righteous will have the Gardens of Bliss with their Lord.
