Help Heal Derrick's Heart

We are asking for your help for our friends Derrick, Abbie, & Karis Price.

Here’s their story:

In late March, Derrick started experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness and some chest pain. Within a few weeks of seeing multiple doctors and specialists, Derrick failed all cardiac tests and they found that he had 99% blockage in his heart.  His cardiac team was at a loss as to how a young, physically fit and extremely active and healthy man could have such an issue. At this point, the doctors were amazed Derrick was still alive.  Derrick was admitted to the hospital and went through a 6 hour heart surgery to fix 1 artery with 99% blockage and 2 arteries with 80% blockage.  The Prices are so thankful for the great medical team that quickly diagnosed and repaired Derrick’s heart blockages. Derrick is now home to continue the healing process and begin his 3 to 6 months of cardiac therapy and recovery. The Price family is praising God that Derrick has been given a second chance at life!

Abbie stated, she felt like she was in a bad dream. It was crazy how just weeks before the diagnosis their family had been out on an 8 mile bike ride; Derrick was working in construction; playing in the Bayside Church’s men's softball group; active in the men's golf group and Fix-It Bayside group. Derrick is the guy who volunteers when people call to get help to move furniture, paint a room, and lend a hand whenever needed. Derrick’s nickname is the “Gentle Giant”; he’s a big guy with a big heart. Abbie works full time as a Physical Therapist. 

The Price family love to help and give to others, their church, and the community. They do not like to ask for help or be the recipients, but would prefer to be the giver. Along with all the activities and groups Derrick serves in, Abbie & Derrick are in a couples group at Bayside Church. Abbie and their daughter, Karis, serve the church and community on the hospitality team, at the Dream Center and Karis volunteers on the Baypro camera team. They are a family of natural givers.

This has been a praising and thankful season for the Prices as they realize how close they came to losing Derrick. But this has also been a very sad, lonely and financially stressful time for their family. Derrick has been unable to work the past few months and will not be working until he is completely healed. The medical bills are now starting to arrive as well and health insurance only covers some of the expense.  

 We want to be the hands and feet of Christ and help this gentle giant and his family. All contributions will go towards the medical expenses from Derrick's triple bypass surgery.  We will share updates as Derrick continues on his heart healing journey.