Support Derek's Journey to Recovery

Derek Michael Wheeler is my son, he is 23 years old and he was involved in a bad car accident in Cape Girardeau, MO on Friday May 31st. He sustained multiple injuries from the accident including 3 fractured vertebrae. Derek was air lifted from Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau to the Level 1 Truama unit at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. The traumatic injury to his spine has currently caused him complete paralysis from his waist down. His diagnosis is (ASIA-A T8) Complete T8. This diagnosis means that Derek is likely to live life with some level of paraplegia.

Myself, my wife Bridgett and Derek’s girlfriend Hannah have been by his side since the accident happened.

Derek is expected to be transferred this week to an acute rehabilitation hospital in Chicago IL that specializes in spinal cord injuries (SCI). The program will be 6-12 weeks depending on his progress. One or more of us plan to stay with Derek in Chicago during his rehabilitation.

At this time, there is a lot we do not know regarding the days and month’s that lay ahead. But most of what we are being told and understand indicates that Derek’s recovery and rehabilitation will be a long road. Life for Derek is forever changed. It doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy life, it just means that life for him becomes more challenging. He will need specialized equipment, significant adaptations to his living space, a vehicle that can accommodate him and at times extra care and medical services. All donations received will be used directly for Derek’s care at his discretion.

This has not been easy for Derek, but he has been so positive and resilient through this whole tragedy. He is hopeful and optimistic that as time passes and with the specialized rehabilitation, he will regain strength and mobility in his lower extremities.

Please join us and Derek in faith that God will restore what has currently been taken from Derek.

Derek has been very humbled through the outpouring of everyones love, thought and prayers.

Thank you for your support!!