Derek’s Story https://www.reddit.com/r/vegas/s/rg7nccLnBi

Hi, I’m Kyle from Nebraska, and I’m reaching out to share my friend Derek’s story and ask for your support. 

We were hesitant to create this campaign because we don’t usually ask for help like this. However, many people have shown concern for Derek and asked how they can assist.  

Nine years ago, Derek was in a catastrophic car accident that left him in a coma. After miraculously waking up, he faced severe memory loss and ended up homeless on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. I had been searching for Derek for a long time and finally found him alive but homeless through TikTok videos. With my girlfriend’s support, I drove to Vegas, and through the help of the Reddit community found and brought him back to Nebraska to help him rebuild his life. 

Derek is now living with us, and he’s happy to get a second chance but has a long road ahead due to his traumatic brain injury.  His parents passed away when he was young.  Though he didn’t remember his dad dying, he remembers the great man he was and aims to make him proud. 

We are working on getting Medicaid in Nebraska and have applied for jobs as a dishwasher at a few local restaurants. It’s difficult without an ID, but we are getting close.  He lost his two front teeth in the accident and our amazing friends in the dental industry are going to make him new ones. 

He’s excited he just received his new phone, and loves our dogs and my girlfriend’s incredible cooking.  We bought gym memberships together so he’s helping me at the same time. 

We are taking things one day at a time - he needs continuous supervision but each day we are staying positive and focused on improving.  

How can you help?  That’s a good question.  Money is great to help with food, clothes, furniture and living expenses but even a message of encouragement or sharing the story goes a long way.   

We will keep the updates coming and I truly appreciate the support and kindness of all of you.   

With heartfelt thanks,

Kyle