Derek’s Journey

March 5th, 2014, 1:45 a.m.

Where is he?

It's every parents' worst nightmare, only I wasn't dreaming as our reality began to unfold....

It's truly a miracle he survived the gun shot that wiped out his entire face. He was a freshman in college and home on spring break. He doesn't remember getting the gun or shooting himself.

My husband found him right by our house, lying in a pile of red snow. He was rushed to our local hospital where I truly believed he was going to die. He was transferred to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where we discussed organ donations. He was then transferred to Henry Ford in Detroit. He was put on life support and into a medically induced coma. He was not brain dead, as originally thought, and the goal was to keep him alive. He had 28 bags and tubes going in and out of him. His brain was swollen, and we had no idea what his quality of life would be if he survived.

During the last seven years, Derek has undergone 58 facial reconstructive surgeries. In June 2020, we were told there'was nothing more his doctor could do for him but to refer him to the Cleveland Clinic. In July, 2020, we took our first trip to Cleveland, where we met numerous doctors and discussed the possibility of a face transplant. In August, 2020, Derek went through numerous testing to see if he would be a good candidate. After seven long years, we could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. He was approved for the surgery, pending the funding.

We submitted Derek's paperwork to our insurance, where is was denied due to the procedure being an "experimental surgery." The lifetime of anti-rejection medication was also denied. My husband and I both work full-time jobs, but there is no way we can afford a procedure and expensive life-time medications. We all make mistakes, and through all of this I understand what unconditional love truly is. We've been a team, and I've never left his side on this journey through recovery.

Derek is a state football champion, he's caring, loving and been positive throughout the many ups and downs of the last seven years. This face transplant would greatly improve his quality of life. The feeding machine that has been part of his life for seven years would be replaced with the ability to eat again. His tracheostomy would also be replaced by his ability to breathe normally.

Please help us give Derek a second chance at life - a life where he wants to helps others with mental illness by sharing his story.