Derek Berry

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.

During all this time, my parents were my sole caregivers. This allowed me to use the little money I had coming in, and monetary help from them, to continue my therapy. My parents are getting older and are no longer able to provide the amount or type of care that I require. I’ve had to hire an outside caregiver seven days a week. It’s because of this, along with the added cost of physical therapy, transportation, insurance and medical equipment that I’m asking for your support more than ever. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Derek has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!