Derrick Hutchinson

I am writing today with a heavy heart to share my family’s story and humbly ask for your assistance. After a year of devastating medical complications and job loss, we are currently in an urgent need of a lifeline.

​In April, our lives changed when I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Despite the shock, we worked tirelessly to manage it, successfully lowering my A1C from 15+ to 6.1 by July. However, in August, a switch to a GLP-1 medication triggered a catastrophic chain of health events.

​What began as muscle soreness rapidly spiraled into medication induced Rhabdomyolysis. After multiple hospitalizations and months of doctors being stumped, I was recently diagnosed with Polymyositis, an autoimmune condition triggered by the severe Rhabdomyolysis.

​I am a barber by trade, but am currently having difficulties working. At times, I lack the arm strength to cut hair or the leg strength to stand for long periods. My wife, who lost her job in April, has been my caregiver, assisting with even the most basic tasks like dressing and bathing. Compounding this crisis, she lost her job at a non-profit in April, and her unemployment benefits were officially exhausted in October.

I recently spent another 4 days in the hospital, this time due to Pneumonia, Congestive Heart Failure, and a suspected silent myocardial infarction. I came home late Christmas Eve, but I am now currently using Oxygen which we hope will be temporary.

​We are currently at a breaking point:

​Medical Care: I will require ongoing treatment and physical therapy to manage my new lifelong diagnosis.

​Housing: Without an income, we are on the verge of eviction.

​Daily Needs: We are struggling to cover the costs of basic utilities

I am praying we might be candidates for your help. We are fighters, and we are doing everything we can to get back on our feet, but we simply cannot do it alone.

​Thank you for your time, your empathy, and for considering our family during this desperate time.