Derrick’s Story:

Derrick Dean Courtney was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Although his passing was not a surprise in terms of suddenness, the circumstances surrounding an otherwise healthy young man becoming fatally infirmed during what otherwise should have been the prime of his life not only caused serious physical and emotional pain in Derrick’s life, it also caused brutal levels of suffering for those closest to him.

After Derrick passed on April 25 of 2017 due to complications from the disease Myastenia Gravis, his mother Kim was inundated with requests from friends and loved ones for the best way to honor her son. From the struggle of inexplicable levels of suffering, and with the guidance of God all the way through, Derrick’s family decided to honor his life by helping others through their own suffering. In Kim’s own words:

“But in the midst of overwhelming grief and anguish, I knew I had to do something to honor Derrick. I had just read a passage in the book, Still Right Here. My dear friend Elizabeth Boisson had lost a son as well. She wrote, “It’s our job now to go forward and make something of their legacy in our own lives. To honor our kids.”

Derrick came to me in my sleep that night. He told me exactly what he wanted me to do, and how to do it! It was a pivotal moment to our healing and the inspirational moment about the idea of The Healing Cross Project. It had Derrick written all over it. He has guided me every step of the way to make it a reality!”