Aid DeRock's Healing and Musical Comeback

Last year while coming home from a friend's show on a Lime scooter, I was clotheslined by a stack of 2x4’s coming out of the back of a truck that illegally blocked the sidewalk. For weeks afterward I was in pain from head to toe, with injuries to neck, head, shoulder, abdomen, leg.

And then the concussion set in.

Living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is like trying to stay afloat in a swirling ocean while hog-tied with no life vest. The light & sound sensitivity, the headaches, trouble with basic calculations, difficulty remembering simple words... As if that weren't enough, I now have an extreme sensitivity to caffeine and am limited to half a cup of decaf.

Last year I had to step away from my job and felt like crawling into a hole. But bills don’t care if you’re hurt. I was determined to build myself back up. I pushed through the pain, and started my own business teaching lessons and producing music. People were asking me to work and I said yes.

Unfortunately as time went on, it became clear that my brain and body need more time for recovery. I was having inexplicable and scary symptoms that pushed me to see every possible specialist. All in all over 80 doctor, imaging, and therapy visits this past year. And still - nobody can give me a diagnosis, let alone a prognosis to help with those symptoms. The medications I’ve been prescribed only lead to increased pain, headaches, and insomnia. I am cautiously optimistic about the TBI specialist and Pain Management specialist I was literally just approved to start seeing.

Current Situation

The good news is, I now have the best health habits of my life. I’ve given up on caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, dairy, and meat (for the most part). Instead I have found healthy supplements and vitamins that aid my brain recovery and reduce inflammation and I do yoga every day.

The bad news is, a year later, and I’m still impaired. There are 3 months left of physical therapy, and I am unable to keep pace with the work I do have. My credit cards are maxed and my landlord is generous and understanding – but being 6 months behind on everything is too much.

And so now I humbly ask for your help, because I can’t go any further alone. Heavens know I tried.

These funds will help me survive, so I can get back to living again. Most importantly, I’ll be able to continue servicing my students and production clients in a timely manner — they have been so patient, kind & loyal — and I am committed to showing up and following through for them!

However, my goal is not just to survive but to THRIVE. With your support I can do this and more! Thank you in advance for helping me to reach my recovery goals

GOAL # 1 SURVIVE $11,100 CATCH UP ON PAST DUE BILLS

GOAL # 2 ARRIVE $22,200 GET THRU NEXT 3MOS THERAPY

GOAL # 3 THRIVE $33,300 FINISH MY RECORD, PAY MY BAND