Support the Road to Recovery for Derek Hopkins

What Happened and Who will Receive the Funds?

Derek Hopkins was on his way to help his father out on the family dairy farm when he wrecked his motorcycle due to road conditions north of Lakeview, MI on August 24, 2024. He decided that day to take a more scenic route because of how much he enjoys riding. Derek was thrown from his bike into the ditch during the accident and luckily a passerby witnessed the accident and was able to immediately assist in getting medical attention. He was airlifted from the scene of the accident and went into emergency spinal surgery.

Derek suffered a severed spinal cord, a broken back along the T5, T6, and T7 areas, a neck fracture, several broken ribs, a punctured and collapsed lung, concussion, and facial lacerations. Thankfully he was wearing his helmet and goggles. Surgery involved placement of two titanium rods with 12 screws in his spine. He stayed one week in the ICU before being moved to Mary Free Bed Rehab.

What is Derek’s Current Condition?

Despite his injuries, Derek has been in great spirits and has kept a positive attitude which has helped with recovery. Derek is currently paralyzed from the rib cage down, has weak core strength, is in a neck brace and is learning how to use a wheelchair for mobility. He has been diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia (AD) due to the severance to his spinal cord. The diagnosis could cause further complications, but Derek is working hard in rehabilitation and learning how to become independent again.

To learn more about AD see the link below:

Autonomic Dysreflexia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshel

Where will the Funds Go?

Derek has medical insurance, but unfortunately it does not cover everything. Your donation will go towards medical bills, wheelchair ramps, bathroom remodels (his home and parents), and any items medical insurance does not cover. Once released from rehab he will go to his mother and stepfather’s house until he regains enough independence to go back to his home.

Prognosis:

Derek is tirelessly fighting through this challenging situation which is evolving every day and the full extent of his needs may not be known for several months. The goal now is to get him back to his independence as quickly as possible while he recovers from his injuries. He has made great strides in rehab and the next step is to have his neck brace removed. Each day is full of hope for positive improvements.

Who is Derek Hopkins?

Derek is a 35-year-old independent, determined, humorous, and adventurous person who is always willing to help people out and is not afraid of hard work! He works third shift at Betz Industries in Walker, MI as an Industrial Maintenance Technician and has been there for 8 years. He is originally from the Lakeview/Morley area and is the second youngest out of five children that include a brother, sister, and two stepbrothers. Motorcycles are his passion and he is hoping to get back out there and ride again soon!

How else can I Help?

If you know of any additional resources or information that the family should investigate, please reach out. If you have construction skills, accessibility experience, home care experience, or a willing hand to lend it will be considered in this time of transition. Please keep Derek in your prayers and thoughts as he will need an extensive amount of continued care once he arrives home.

Please consider donating to Derek’s Go Fund Me or to a spinal cord injury organization such as the United Spinal Association or the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to name a couple.

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about Derek’s situation. If you would like to speak with someone directly about the situation, provide assistance, or donate outside of GoFundMe, please send a message. Thank you for your consideration at this time.