DJ Lin returns with the ultimate comeback set

For local DJ Linbern Eden, known as DJ Lin, performing at this weekend’s Out of This World music fest came with mixed emotions, as he brought positive, nostalgic energy and cosmic vibes to this year’s crowd.

It wasn’t just any 30-minute set for the popular DJ, known for his diverse mixes and dub plays across local, regional and international establishments since the mid-90s. It was the return to his first love just seven weeks after a seven-month hospitalisation.

“It was an exciting thing because it has been a few years since I’ve been able to DJ for such a large crowd. I was a bit nervous at first … a bit overwhelmed. After I mixed my first three or four songs, I became comfortable and felt like I was in my element,” Eden told the Cayman Compass.

DJ Lin was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma in January 2020, a rare and aggressive cancer. He had major surgery at the time to remove a five-pound tumor. Since then, he has had several other procedures, including two separate radiation treatments. In September 2024, he took sick with internal bleeding from three additional active tumors.

“I went back to my doctors at Miami hospital, and they removed the three tumors, and I was in the hospital for seven months with recovery and various complications. I was able to return home last month,” he said.

The return to the stage was a long time coming for the Caymanian master mixer, who has shared candidly his battle with cancer on his social media. His return was met by applause, cheers and congratulations from the festival crowd and many longtime supporters.

Breathing out a sigh, DJ Lin noted, “The hours, the days … it seemed so long, especially as you get closer to getting home. It’s like the week feels like four weeks. … Two weeks feel like eight weeks, but it’s such a liberating feeling, such an incredible feeling to be able to return to the family, to the kids, the wife … and hopefully heal and start back at this thing we call life and this journey we’re on.”

During his time in hospital, DJ Lin kept music at the forefront, positing several of his mixes on his YouTube channel.

“I would take my music and when I would walk the halls, I’d play for the nurses and they would dance. So, little things like that connected me with them and put a whole positive vibe and atmosphere into the situation I was in,” he said.

‘Forward thinking’

For someone who lives and breathes ‘high energy’, the fast-paced DJ said, since his diagnosis, he has had to slow down to focus on his health.

“For me, a way to progress my healing is with forward thinking. So, even when I was in the hospital, I was always thinking about what I’m doing next. I would not keep myself stuck in the hospital. I’m always forward thinking, always positive when it comes to music and not remaining in one place because a lot of times you can be a prisoner of your own mind,” he said.

“By thinking forward, it allows me freedom to heal up, I would say.”

An emotional Eden recounted to the Compass the moments in hospital with his wife and children always by his side. He wanted to return the gesture by surprising his kids at school when he got back from his treatments.

“Aside from my wife, my rock, who was there every day, my daughter Jaelin every single day, she used to message me and check on me, and my son was there as well,” he said.

“Six weeks earlier, [Jaelin] came up to surprise me at the hospital in Miami. She didn’t know I was coming home, so I came home and showed up at their school. It was a very sweet moment … very humbling.”

The emotional moment was captured on video and shared across social media.

‘Fete for a Cause’

During this journey, Eden has been active in the community by raising awareness and funds for cancer, including through Fete for a Cause, an idea that he and his friend Keith Tibbetts came up with shortly after his first diagnosis. The non-profit organisation participates in Batabano and CayMas, and decided to have a t-shirt band, allowing people to contribute to something meaningful. Funds from the celebration go to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.

Over the past several years, they’ve raised over $30,000, with nearly $7,000 raised from this year’s event.

He said, “Hopefully we will be able to continue to bring awareness to the fight against cancer, push forward the message of hope, the message of never giving up, always fight and stay strong. It’s a unique experience and unique way to celebrate carnival.”

‘I beat the odds’

DJ Lin, currently in remission, thanks each of his doctors and nurses by name, describing them as like family. He has a long list of people he recognises for their support — “my wife and kids, my puppy, my friends, people who prayed for me, the local community”.

For those who have to put their passion on hold as they battle with cancer or any illness, Eden encourages them to be strong, have a positive mindset, get tested, listen to their body, and understand, you have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have you.

“I’d also say one of the most valuable things that you can offer someone is your time, whether it’s sending a message, coming to pay a visit, spending time with someone. And always be willing to lend a hand and assist in whichever way you can,” he added.

It’s a good feeling to be cancer free, Eden said, acknowledging the mental struggles that come with the battle.

“Aside from the physical pains that come with cancer, there’s also mental struggles, if you’re going to get any wins, because sometimes you’re getting so many losses, you wonder, ‘When am I going to get a win?'” he said.

Through prayer, support and remaining positive, however, he said, “I beat the odds, not once, but twice.”