Aid Derek's Fight Against Heart Failure

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out today with a heavy heart to ask for support for my son, Derek Praska. He is currently facing a critical health battle — he’s in acute heart failure and has already spent a significant time out of work due to his condition. His doctors are closely monitoring him, and there is a real possibility he will need a heart transplant in the near future.

As you can imagine, this has been an overwhelming and uncertain time for our family. Derek is a wonderful, single dad of 5 kids. He has always been hardworking and independent, never asking for help with anything, but now he’s facing a future where he will eventually only be able to return to work on a very limited, part-time basis — if at all — as he focuses on his recovery and ongoing treatment.

We are raising funds to help cover his living expenses, medical bills, and all the necessities that don’t pause for illness. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden he is carrying and allow him to focus on healing without the added stress.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Terri Smith, Don & Trish Praska