TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Derek Steele, the son of the late civil rights activist, Reverend C.K. Steele, is leaning on community support as he battles stage four prostate cancer. <\/p>\n
Derek Steele, whose father helped lead the Tallahassee Bus Boycott and co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has carried on his family\u2019s legacy of service in the community. <\/p>\n
Two years ago, his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. As his diagnosis sank in, Derek Steele said the seriousness of his condition became clear during early medical procedures.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the process began, even doing the biopsy, that was traumatic for me,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Since the start of 2026, Derek Steele has been undergoing treatment, but without health insurance. He said a change in his policy and rising costs forced him into a difficult position.<\/p>\n
The physical toll has also been severe. After surgery to remove a tumor, Steele said he has faced mobility challenges. \u201cI was so mad afterwards because when I woke up from surgery, I realized I couldn\u2019t walk, and I\u2019m still not walking right,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Now paying out of pocket for radiation treatment and medication, Steele continues to deal with daily pain. Despite the challenges, he says he is not alone.<\/p>\n
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His bonus daughter, Raven Whitehead, launched a GoFundMe campaign <\/a>to help cover mounting medical expenses.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has not been an easy journey. It\u2019s been very hard,\u201d Whitehead said. \u201cHe\u2019s not my stepdad, he\u2019s my pa pa, so I\u2019m going to do whatever we need to do to fight for him every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Whitehead is calling on the community to rally around Steele, noting his years of service and advocacy.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is suffering. He\u2019s in pain every day, and I refuse to see him in pain,\u201d she said. \u201cHe\u2019s been a loud voice in the community over the years, even through his dad, he has done so much.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek Steele said he is grateful for the support of friends, family and community members as he continues treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to stay encouraged because I know God has got me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n