By James B. Bartle
Too often all of us find life unfair at times and this statement has never been more true than with the case of former Sullivan resident and now Cuba resident, Derek Pritchett, age 13.
You see, in 1996, the Sullivan Independent News featured a story on Derek Pritchett, son of Dena and Derek Pritchett and grandson of Don and Susan Pritchett, Sullivan.
Derek was born on Mar. 19, 1996 and underwent heart transplant surgery on Mar. 31, 1996. In the July 31, 1996 edition of the Independent News, we featured a story on Derek’s battle to live a healthy, normal life. The following years Derek has become an active 13-year-old miracle.
Derek is an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, idolizing Albert Pujols. Following his favorite sport, Derek has become an All-Star pitcher and first baseman, living the dream of many young teenagers and overcoming his infant heart transplant.
According to his grandmother, Susan, Derek has been in excellent health through the years; of course, there’s an overwhelming $800 to $900 in prescription medicines he must take every month, but he’s showed the spirit of a child enjoying his normal life.
On Mar. 31, Derek went back to Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, for his annual checkup, and a checkup that almost turned to tragedy.
According to Susan, Derek had to have a cardiac catherization as he developed coronary artery disease where his arteries shrank.
“Derek went into cardiac arrest during the procedure,” said Susan. “One time, it was for nine minutes and a second time for five minutes. He was revived both times. Derek was under general anesthesia and was till entabated; therefore, there was no brain, kidney or liver losses.”
“While in the lab cath, it was necessary to put a balloon in an artery, the artery utilized a pump. Derek was then taken to Cardiac ICU where he was stabilized and on Thursday he came out of ICU to a regular floor room. On Friday, his parents will be allowed to move him to the Ronald McDonald House. While at the house, Derek will wear a life vest defibrillator to protect him until a new heart is located for transplant.”
Derek is now at the top of the list at Children’s Hospital for a heart transplant which is needed for him to continue his young life.
Grandmother Susan, swelled up with tears, stated that Derek’s doctors felt that he was a ticking time bomb and, had his checkup not occurred when it did, things could have been even more tragic than they are right now.
Young Derek is a sixth grade student at Cuba Junior High and he has four siblings.
Derek’s parents have stayed with Derek every waking moment at the hospital and will remain with him at the Ronald McDonald House as a transplant could occur at anytime.
Derek Pritchett is employed with Jack Cooper Transportation, but is currently laid off due to the slowing down of the auto industry while his wife, Dena, is a homemaker and mother.
“Right now, we ask that everyone please include Derek in their prayers,” said Grandmother Susan.
A fund has been established at Peoples Bank of Sullivan, Bourbon, Cuba and Steelville to help Derek and his family. Donations can be made at any bank location for the “Derek Pritchett Heart Fund.”
Children’s Hospital has established a website for Derek with a “guestbook.” His address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/derek2. People may express their prayers, love and compassion to Derek in this way.
James Bartle is currently working to hold a benefit for Derek and his family. Anyone who would like to participate or provide any suggestions for the event may contact Bartle at 573-205-0702.