Derek Ingram

Derek Ingram

Transplant Type: Liver

Update: Derek received a liver transplant on September 5, 2018!

We would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued prayers, love, and support. The generosity of our family, friends, and community has been overwhelming. We have been blessed through our entire journey and look forward to the next chapter in our lives, life post-transplant. We hope our story inspires others to continue to help those in need, become an organ donor (www.donatelife.org), and to see that there is hope in the broken world we live in today. We also pray for the family who will ultimately lose a loved one in order for my life to be saved. We pray boldly, as we know there is a plan, a purpose for this journey - and for that, we are thankful.

Derek Ingram is fighting for his life. During a routine visit to his family doctor, Derek was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital merely days before he was to be traveling to Saint Lucia to marry to his then-fiancée, Amber, in their dream destination wedding. They were devastated, scared, and in disbelief. After five physically and emotionally exhausting days, he was released from the hospital where he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). After managing PSC through countless procedures and medicines, the disease took an abrupt, aggressive turn. Doctors now say a liver transplant is critical. 

Now happily married with an 18-month old, Derek still considers himself blessed. He has a beautiful wife, a healthy and happy baby boy, an energetic chocolate lab, and the best family and friends that have surrounded him and his young family in their time of need. “Most importantly,” he says, “we have a loving God who is in total control and for that, we are forever grateful. If only we inspire one person through our walk, help them in some way, maybe to see there is hope in a broken world, this crazy disease has a purpose.”  Derek has an unwavering faith that this will all make sense one day. 

During this difficult time, Derek has leaned on the love and support of his wife, family, and friends. His wife has embraced this journey as her own, absolutely refusing to miss any appointments or procedures. She is the same loving, dedicated woman he fell in love with years ago. They are excited and looking forward to life after transplant and being healthy enough to spend many more years together growing their family. 

The average liver transplant costs approximately $878,000. And, that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, Derek still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Derek. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT South Carolina Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Derek Ingram on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Carolinas Medical Center