Hometown: Alberta, Canada
Injury Date: 5/14/06
Diagnosis: T9-11
Start Date: 4/23/07
During a typical event in his hometown of Alberta, Derek was riding down the track, on pace to win the event, when he was struck from above by another competitor landing from a jump. For those who do not follow motocross, competitors can launch themselves to breath taking heights! Derek was knocked unconscious, remembering only waking up in the hospital. He was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury to the ninth, tenth, and eleventh vertebrae and he was told that his injury was considered complete. Derek spent two and a half weeks in the hospital, and doctors gave him only a 2% chance of ever walking again. From the hospital, Derek went into a rehabilitation center for several months, where he worked on strengthening his upper body and learned how to transfer in and out of his wheelchair to allow himself to become more independent.
When Derek first came to Project Walk, we were surprised to learn that he was diagnosed as a complete spinal cord injury, because he has sensation in his legs when he rubs either side of his rib cage, and he also gets a tingling sensation in his legs when he is startled by a loud noise. It was also apparent within the first few days at Project Walk®that he has substantial nervous system activity in his quadriceps.
We are glad to see that Derek has decided to come to Project Walk®so soon after his injury, which was less than a 1 year ago. He has decided to stay for three weeks while having a home program designed. Derek is very focused during his workouts, never complaining and consistently working hard. We are excited for Derek and will do all that we can to help him reach his goals.
If you would like to contact Derek, please post on our message board.
Competing in Motocross was one of Derek’s passions, and he traveled all through Canada and the United States competing. He had competed in countless motocross events, many of which he won.