Family and friends of Derek Berry are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

My name is Derek Berry. When I was in my early 20’s, I was a professional soccer player and became a professional soccer coach for youth ages U10 through the Junior College level. I was living the life I had set up for myself. It was on November 22nd, 1997 that I was involved in a car accident that left me a C4/C5/C6 incomplete quadriplegic. Needless to say, that moment in time changed my life forever.

I was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital and I had to pick up the pieces of my life to start over again. Obviously, at that time the doctors did not give much hope for me living a productive life. I was bound and determined to prove them wrong. I searched and searched all around the county where I lived and found aquatic therapy, physical therapy, and hand therapy. I found a rehab facility called Adapt Functional Movement Center) where I continue rehab 2x a week. I can now stand and take steps. It’s not walking, but it’s progress. I was able to go back to College at San Diego State. I received my accounting degree with honors/distinction. However, due to my injury and the amount of care that I needed I could not work longer than 5 years.