Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

We are deeply saddened to share that on September 15th, Derek suffered multiple strokes due to a dissection in one of the arteries in his brain, which allowed blood to flow in, form a clot and cause the strokes. As the risk for additional strokes was high, we decided to proceed with a thrombectomy surgery to remove the clots in his brain. The surgery was successful and for now has stopped additional strokes from occurring.

Unfortunately, the strokes were in important areas of his brain that control daily function. Derek is aware of what is going on around him, can respond to simple questions, but cannot really speak. Sadly, he also cannot move the left side of his body.

Every stroke is different and every stroke patient's road to recovery looks different. Derek will remain in the neuro ICU until he’s cleared for therapy recovery. Given Derek’s prognosis, the doctors have confirmed that he’ll need acute, in-patient physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapy. 

Derek is young and for those of you that know him, you know that he is strong and determined. He has three young children, Maeve (6), Rhys (3) and Shae (1), and we know that with the best care, he will do everything in his power to get home to them as fast as he can.

This GoFundMe campaign was started to provide a way for family and friends to help Derek secure the highest level of care. In addition to what insurance can cover, the family has been advised to expect significant outside costs related to speech therapy, physical therapy, home modifications, and alternative therapies, once we have a better idea of his healing process. These funds will help Derek’s long-term recovery and quality of life. Any funds that remain unused will go toward his children's college education.

We appreciate you sharing Derek’s story with friends, families, and communities that are willing to help him recover and return home to his wife, Jillian, and 3 young children. The family feels every prayer, every kind word, and every act of support - and we are profoundly grateful.

With all our love,

The Butterfoss and Cheney family