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Derek Canas (AKA D-­REK), born a sweet, cute, seemingly healthy baby, had everything going for him until the age of 3 months, when he was surrounded by many doctors talking about transposition of the great arteries, pacemakers, and blood transfusions. His parents now had, what they called a “battery operated son”. This was a scary scenario for his parents with so many touch­-and-­go moments. 16­years later another illness that Derek had been living with started to show symptoms: HIV and sadly it had turned to Aids. This only brought on a more terrifying roller­coaster ride. With courage, unconditional love and sheer determination, Derek was not going to let any one of his health issues get in the way of his dream of becoming a DJ! Spinning music is the passion of his soul. Today, taking his fight against HIV to new hope, he serves as the Social Ambassador for Yes Get Tested Coachella Valley. A survivor of both open heart surgery and HIV, his doctors refer to him as “The Terminator.” And that he is!! He is also the creator of the #EndTheStigma Campaign and D­REK’s Angels and Warriors. On the weekends he turns into the crazy Emulator DJ – living his dreams!!