Matt C. Abbott
Thank you!; Pray for Derek Thomas
By Matt C. Abbott
First, I just want to express my deep gratitude to all those who sent me messages of support in response to my Jan. 29 column. I'm amazed by the numerous thoughtful e-mails I've received in the last few days, and I greatly appreciate the prayers and testimonies.
God bless all of you!
Now I ask that you pray for someone who's suffering far more than I am: young (19 or 20 years of age) Derek Thomas.
A brief background of Derek's story (slightly edited), written from his perspective, courtesy of CaringBridge.org:
© Matt C. Abbott
February 1, 2011
First, I just want to express my deep gratitude to all those who sent me messages of support in response to my Jan. 29 column. I'm amazed by the numerous thoughtful e-mails I've received in the last few days, and I greatly appreciate the prayers and testimonies.
God bless all of you!
Now I ask that you pray for someone who's suffering far more than I am: young (19 or 20 years of age) Derek Thomas.
A brief background of Derek's story (slightly edited), written from his perspective, courtesy of CaringBridge.org:
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'On August 9, 2010, I was a passenger in a car crash in Bishop on my way back to San Diego from Mammoth. The terrible three-vehicle accident took the lives of my best friend and love, Amanda Post, and a good friend I had gone to school with since I was a kid, Natalie Nield. It also involved Wendy Rice, a coach driving another vehicle, from Cal Baptist University, and she lost her life as well. My mentor and fitness trainer, John Adams, survived the accident, but was later taken off life support and died two months later.
'Me and my good friend who was also in the accident, Drew Delis, are still recovering. Initially, I was taken by ambulance to Northern Inyo Hospital and stabilized. The medical team assessed my injuries and had me immediately air-transported to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital. My burn injury was extensive, covering about 85 percent of my body, and most say it is truly a miracle that I'm alive.'Amanda's family set up the Derek Thomas Recovery Fund to benefit me, and the Amanda Post Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit female athletes. You can read more about these giving opportunities at: www.amandapostfoundation.com. My family thanks you for your ongoing prayers and encouragement!'
© Matt C. Abbott
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