The Story Behind Our Healing Cross

The Healing Cross is a symbol of hope and renewal regardless of circumstances. Its initial appearance in the life of our organization’s founder Kim Courtney is worth taking a moment to read from her words directly:

“Derrick came to me in a dream days after his passing. He knew I was looking for an idea that would honor him. I knew Derrick would guide me and that I had to be patient. Boy, that was asking a lot of me!

The Healing Cross Project would be the name of his legacy. Now to find a cross that would that best represented Derrick’s journey through suffering and ultimately his passing. There were many ideas brought to me, but none jumped out saying “Derrick.”

There is a thrift store in Cave Creek, AZ that I visit on a regular basis, always looking for bargains for my swim school. On one particular day, I saw a bulletin board for $2.00. What a find, I thought. It was wrapped in brown paper. When I went to purchase it, the volunteer asked me if I wanted her to unwrap it. For $2.00, I would do it at home. Driving home I asked Derrick for clarity for what I was looking for. At home, I unwrapped it and couldn’t believe what I seeing…a child’s drawing of a cross with a heart smack dab in the middle of it. I couldn’t have made this up even if I was trying!! There it was. The inspiration for what I was searching for, on a $2.00 bulletin board from a thrift store! It had Derrick’s name all over it!

With the child’s drawing in hand, I met with our dear friend Larry Duvall. In that dream right after Derrick’s passing, he told me that Larry would guide me through the creation of the crosses and make it reality. And that’s exactly what happened!!

The healing cross would be distributed world wide for anyone that wanted one. No monies would cross hands. We would rely on donations to spread Derrick’s word, that You Are Never Alone in this journey we call life. It imperative that we, as a community, recognize that daily suffering is EVERYWHERE… and that we give a dang about someone other than ourselves!

The Healing Cross represents compassion, love and salvation for ALL. It gives hope to all people!

The heart in the middle of the cross reminds us that LOVE is the ultimate healer.

The amethyst that hangs from the heart represents our son’s heart. Derrick’s favorite, the color of the stone evoke strong healing powers, as well as dignity, devotion, peace and calm. Steel was chosen as it is strong and could withstand the elements of life on its own.​”

If you would like to request a free healing cross for yourself or someone in your life who can benefit, please visit Request a Cross.