Derek update 2-2-2010
Hi everyone,
Derek just got accepted to these colleges: Miami(Ohio),Ball State, Indiana University, and Michigan State. I know , I know, which one will he chose ? Obviously we will visit all these schools and make sure he can get around and get a feel of the campuses and check out all the options, but he is leaning towards Miami(Ohio). Great school and great hockey program.Derek is also excited that nine of the former Ice players will be attending Miami(Ohio).We will keep you up to date. Derek was visited by NBC Channel 13 today with Anne Marie Tiernon and Matt the Camerman for a story about Derek and the Olympics. Not sure when it will air, but they might wait till next week after the Super Bowl. Then they will meet up with us at the Olympics and follow Derek’s experience during the hockey semi-finals, Bronse medal game, Gold medal game, and closing ceremonies.The Granato family has been working on the finishing touches for Derek so he will have an experience of a lifetime.We got to spend time this past weekend in Wisconsin with Christy Granato-Wellhausen and her wonderful husband Kevin Wellhausen and their two beautiful daughters Baylee and brooke. Sam and Baylee had a great time playing against each other this weekend when their teams Racers(Indy) and Capitols (Madison) met in Madison. We enjoyed Christi’s cooking, authentic Italian for dinner and the famous banana - pecan pancakes for breakfast.
Derek will be going to Chicago next weekend to watch Sam play in the league tournament and visit with friends.He is excited about seeing some former team mates and coaches and his host family.Derek also got to got to the Indy Ice hockey games this weekend. The ICE got big wins Friday night with Derek getting the game puck and then Saturday got to hand out the game puck that went to the new goalie on the team.The ICE are now auctioning off the jerseys from the Legends game and the All-star game last week and are donating the proceeds to Derek’s trust fund.Derek also got his new ICE jersey and he wore it proudly Saturday night.Derek should start therapy again this week with a personal trainer.Keep praying for Derek’s recovery, he still has a long road ahead of him.Thanks to all of you that continue to pray and support us during this journey. Mike
Derek it sounds like you are doing great, keep it up! You are inspirational. There is a highschool hockey player in MA that recently suffered a similar injury to yours. He is still in the very early stages of his recovery. Facebook fan page is “pray for Matt Brown #3″ if you are interested. I am thinking Matt could really be helped by hearing your story and corresponding with you. Anyways congratulations on your college acceptances!!