“As a mom, you’re always thinking, what if something happens to me?”
Meet Derek
Derek lives with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, a neurogenic bowel and bladder, and bi-lateral clubbed feet.

Derek volunteers once a week at Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California in Redding, CA. Wendy works as a parent consultant at this support organization for families of children with special needs. “She’s an incredible woman,” Derek says about his mom. “She’s my backbone. I wouldn’t be able to do it by myself.” (Photo: Deanne Fitzmaurice)
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Derek's “care map,” which illustrates the complicated web of medical care and coverage, as well as educational and support services needed for children with medical complexity and their families.