High Fives For Derek

Derek is a bone marrow transplant patient that developed AML leukemia from a genetic mutation he was born with. Recently he has been suffering increased health concerns for relapse or possible secondary cancer. Last week he went into adrenal crisis and the concern continues to grow. We have been unable to stabilize his adrenals and he is having to stay at an increased dose of Solu-Cortef. As his sole and only caregiver, it has become overwhelming for me due to rising costs. I am a single mother and also have his little brother (age 10) to care for. Derek has multiple appointments here for PT, at U of M and Karmanos, as well, for local care.

He is having surgery on August 24th to remove and biopsy 4 growths accidentally discovered on a routine MRI for Avascular Necrosis in his distal femurs.

Due to complex medical issues, Derek’s care team is spread across Michigan and Ohio as well as providers on the east coast.

The travel expenses are great as well as what insurance won’t cover. He has a facebook support page (High Fives For Derek) and others are welcome to join. Please mention how you found us as we are careful about spam.

We do have other ways to donate if you are uncomfortable with GFM, and can provide those details if you message. They are also listed on his support page.

Your donation will help ensure Derek receives the care he needs and get him back into college. He wants to study paleontology and paleobotany. He is a bright, kind, compassionate and wonderful young man. Help us high five Derek back into college and propel him forward in life! Thank you for sharing and your compassion for his future.