From the Front
Hockey families and friends,
We have had alot of trial and error on the lungs the last few days. I believe the conclusion is to stay on the bypap (BIPAP or bilevel ventilator) for sleeping hours. Taylor was here to celebrate his 16th bday and he was thrilled to see Derek in the wheelchair. Deb Desimone and Brianna (Derek’s host mom and big sis from Chicago) visited. It was the shot in the arm he needed. Derek is off all IV and isn’t on as many heavy drugs and it seemed he was having an emotional time. We thought it was just pain from being in the chair for awhile but I think it was more emotional and that is when the DeSimone’s showed (perfect). They stayed with Derek and we drove Taylor to Cleveland on Saturday and watched one game and came back to the hospital. Joe Boris, a dad of one of Derek’s teammates, webcamed his teams games this weekend. Derek was over the moon excited with their win over TI. And was able to talk to several players and Mr. Boris, and coach Kapsalis after the game. Unfortunately, we lost sunday in a high scoring 7-6 game. It looks as if Derek is moving rooms to the rehab floor monday. They have tried to scare us that it will be the toughest thing he as ever been through. They don’t know about Fury bootcamp.
Eating has been the challenge this week. He has lost weight some scales say 30lbs but they are going with 22lbs in the 3 weeks he has been here. My friend Norma from Indy brought strawberry pies from Grays Cafeteria. She brought 2, Taylor and Derek normally eat one each. Derek had one bite. Then the next day and after we can’t feed him enough strawberries. So his appetite seems to be coming back!! Small success we are happy for. In the last week we have had random leg movement we are happy about. It doesn’t seem to be deliberate. He has added triceps to his working muscles he didn’t have. Mike brought in his hockey stick and he cannot grip it so is really trying to work on his hands.
So, continue to pray especially for a good transition to the hard true reality of a regular room on a regular floor.(sort of regular, our new normal) Normal seems to reinvent itself every couple of days.
Robin (mom)
PS I owe soo many thank you cards, I want to thank everyone making it possible for us to stay with Derek thisis the hardest thing we have ever faced. Your prayers and generosity has been holding us up. thank you again
Derek, I am a hockey dad [Zak - St. Rita High School]. One of my sons played baseball with Brett Ernst. The news of your accident sadden us. We keep you in our prayers.
Robin and Mike,
It was great to see you Saturday … and I can’t speak for anyone else, but you don’t owe me any thanks … the support your family is getting is truly a blessing … I’m just grateful to be a witness to it …
Hi Robin,
Just checking in to let you know I continue sending positive thoughts your way and offering up prayers. I look forward to the updates and your positive outlook in the face of so many challenges. Your family is truly special and Derek is lucky to have you for a Mom.
Keep the faith.
Kathy Miller
Hello Zike Family:
I am the mother of four hockey players (three sons and a daughter). They have played every level from mini-mite to Jr. The hockey community reaches out to you now because you are walking a walk that every parent has feared in the back of our minds for years. We all know that hockey carries some measure of risk. I pray for the safety of the players on the ice before every one of my kids’s games.
Please know that I am praying for your family daily. I pray that you, Robin and Mike will have the strength you need to support Derek in this struggle. I pray for you, Derek. We all know how hard you must have worked to get to the AAA level. Now you will need all of that strength, perserverence and toughness to fight this battle. Hang in there, Derek, show those Doctors what you are made of!!! And I know this won’t be an easy road for your brothers either. I pray that God will Bless your entire family.
My family here in Grand Rapids, MI is praying for you EVERY day. God Bless…
Hello Zike Family - I am the mom of a 14 year old AA hockey player here in the Detroit Area. I just read the article that was published in the Detroit News about Derek. What an inspiration he is to so many people. He may not see it that way just yet and you may not either but it is the truth. It will touch so many people in different ways. We were having typical travel hockey problems with our team over the weekend and on Monday morning my husband handed my son and I the article on Derek. “Look at this,” he said. We were speechless and it made our troubles seem ridiculous. Please know that you are in our prayers and will continue to be. Playing at the AAA level tells me Derek is a very strong young man with an awesome attitude. Please know that we will be praying for Derek and all of those who are a part of his life. He is fortunate to have a strong family beside him. Many prayers are coming your way from Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
Hi Robin, I’ve gone to you a couple of times to get my hair done, I just heard about your son. I want you to know that I am praying and cannot quit thinking about your entire family. Your positive outlook and uplifting spirits are amazing, I just know your son will get through this with everyones faith and love.
Robin & Family,
Mom & Dad told me about Derek’s accident last night. I just wanted you to know that Jason & I are praying for Derek’s recovery & for all of you! I’ve also asked some of my friends to pray for all of you as well! I think all of the support you’ve been getting is just wonderful. I’ll be thinking of you!
Hi Robin Mike, Derek, Taylor & Sam
I am sending preyers for all of you everyday. I just read the article in the Detroit newspaper. I cryed at every word that I read. Derek is strong and lucky in many ways. He is both of these because of you, Robin & Mike. He has the best parents that any child could ever imagine. You both have very positive attitudes. Dereck is the same way because it came from both of you. With that kind of attitude and positive thinking, life can always challenge you but you will always come out on top. Tell Dereck that Duane & I think of all of you every day.
“What lies behind you, and what lies before you, are tiny matters compared to what lies within you” Emerson
I believe that all things are possible ! From a mom who knows what you are going through ~ stay strong young man ~ I BELIEVE IN YOU !!
Robin and family;
I have been checking the updates daily, and I am glad to see that Derek is moving forward. Even if it is bit by bit! Sean ask me when he comes over what I found out that day about him. You are in his thoughts as well. We hope to come by and visit you soon, when you get back to Indy.
Just letting you know as we approach the state games, that you are not forgotton for a moment here in HSE territory!
Again, never hesitate to ask for help if needed!!
Mary Winebrenner
Zike Family…..Not a single day goes by that a member of my small hockey team here in Cleveland does not mention Derek. We are consumed with prayer for your entire family. Keep stringing together all of the small victories….stay strong….win the fight. We are here for you guys….Scott, Chris, Nick, Jack Robbie
Robin & Family,
Wanted to let you know I’m keeping all of you close in my heart & prayers. Your family is such an inspiration to all of us. Know that we are all in this together and nothing is too big for our God. I’m so grateful to be connected to your beautiful family.
God Bless You,
Ronni
Derek & Family,
Sending many prayers from Basking Ridge, NJ. Just read about your story through the HSE hockey website and pulling for you. 87′ graduate… no hse hockey then - booo! My daughter Kira and I are saying prayers for you at night- believe, trust and make it happen. We know you can!
Charlie, Mi, Kira & Brody
Hi Zike Family,
I am glad to hear that Derek is doing betterand is eating better and had had feeling in his fingers. I am not glad to hear that Robin almost had to be hospitalized. Well not hospitalized but could have been if she had broken more than her arm and ribs. Then I understand Taylor had a concussion from his Hocky game. Your family has sure had a rough time. All of this is just making you stronger. Duane & I will continue to pray for all of you and to keep you all safe.
Donna