Putting Life Into Perspective

By:  Courtney Cox Cole, Hare Chevrolet, Noblesville In

As we go through life, we all have our ups and downs. Every so often something happens and it makes us realize what really matters. Fortunately, we live in a Community that sticks together and takes care of each other. That is why I am writing this message.

The Father (Mike Zike) of a 16 year old child (Derek Zike) works in our Body Shop. He is a fantastic employee. On Friday, January 16th Derek was involved in a horrific hockey accident. He was playing for the AAA Chicago Fury. During the game Derek attempted to make a turn and lost an edge of his skate, fell and slid head first into the boards at a high rate of speed. It all happened so quickly he was unable to brace himself for impact. Derek was not hit by anyone; it was quite simply the result of a lost edge while trying to turn. This accident happened in Ann Arbor, MI during a tournament. He was rushed to the University Hospital. He still has no feeling from the waist down. He sustained a burst fracture of the 5th cervical vertebrae.

On the 26th of January, Derek’s lung collapsed and he is now receiving almost 100% of his breathing via a ventilator. He was admitted for another surgery yesterday. The surgery was to complete the insertion of bone in the injured area and complete the steps associated with a multi-level spinal fusion. The surgery went well and Derek is recovering. Derek’s breathing issue seems to be headed in the right direction. Although he developed pneumonia and is receiving assisted breathing following his surgery last night, it appears as though he will soon be removed from assisted breathing once it is determined he may satisfactorily breathe on his own.

Derek will remain in the hospital for quite some time. Derek’s parents,Mike and Robin, will be rotating in Ann Arbor while Derek remains in the hospital. When Derek is released from the hospital he will require
extensive physical and rehabilitative therapy. The family’s expenses will continue to grow and our help is needed. As people, we have an unbelievable capacity to come together and to help a family in need.

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS THAT WE CAN HELP:

Mail a check payable to:
Derek Zike Special Needs Trust
c/o of Founders Bank
14497 John Humphrey Drive
Orland Park, IL 60462

Donate Online at: www.derekzike.com

Any amount will be very helpful. It would also be greatly appreciated if you could forward this message to all of your friends and help this family in this very difficult time. You may also join the facebook group
Pray for Derek Zike or go to http://www.chicagofury.com to receive regular updates on Derek.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP! THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT.