On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Michael Derrick to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Mike’s story is one of mental toughness, fortitude, and strength to fight through life’s obstacles. An art teacher and coach, he was thriving in the classroom, impacting the lives of his students and athletes. In 2016, as he organized an end of the school year art show to celebrate his students’ work, he received an unexpected call after his yearly physical. His doctor asked him to redo his bloodwork, which revealed abnormal liver numbers. After ruling out cancer, Mike was diagnosed with NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis)—a serious liver disease that would lead to a liver transplant in 2018.
The transplant would leave Mikel immunocompromised and unable to fight illnesses like he should. In 2020, he contracted COVID-19, and his health took a turn for the worse. With his oxygen levels dropping to dangerous levels, and his medical team concerned he was advised to go on a ventilator. Completely against that idea, Mike’s doctor told him that without the ventilator, he might not survive the night and that even on the ventilator that may not help. Trusting the advice of his medical team, Mike agreed and that choice saved his life.
Today, Mike is healthy and thriving and because of that, he was awarded with a 2024 Crystal Apple Award from WMTV Channel 15 in Madison, WI. His story is a reminder of the importance of trusting medical professionals, faith, and the gifts of life. This will be a good one, CAN’T WAIT!!!
