Derek has gone through years of treatment for Kostmann's Syndrome and recently, his lymph nodes have started to swell and currently insurance is denying more medical tests. We’re trying to raise money to cover Derek’s medical expenses in this critical time.

Derek was born with Kostmann’s Syndrome and the only option is to perform a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, his younger brother, Christopher, was a match to be a donor. The Gropps moved from Kansas to Michigan to have the transplant done at the University of Michigan hospital.

I first met Derek in 2015 when he was undergoing a bone marrow transplant at the University of Michigan. I helped tutor Derek while he was doing at-home learning. Derek always had a natural talent for math and sciences. He’s even been able to continue his studies at Washtenaw Community College, where he’s studying cybersecurity, history, and science.

Derek has always been a fighter, both in the clinic and in school. But with insurance denying claims and the federal government currently being in shutdown, we’re trying to make sure he and his family have the money they need to get through this time.