thedrifter
07-17-09, 08:39 AM
July 17, 2009
Honorary Marine was always faithful
Disease claims PSJ teenager
BY AUTUMN SHRUM
FLORIDA TODAY
He never had the opportunity to report for duty, but Travis Derrick of Port St. John epitomized the courage and strength of a Marine.
Derrick, 17, died at home Wednesday night after a long battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He had always dreamed of joining the U.S. Marine Corps.
In February 2007, doctors told Derrick he had less than a year to live. His mother, Tracey Derrick-Doane, told him they could go anywhere he wanted for vacation that year. He requested to visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen servicemen.
Money was tight, but with help from family, friends and the community, Derrick-Doane raised enough to take the trip in May 2007.
Marines were heroes to Derrick. But to Marines, Derrick was the hero. In July 2008, members of the U.S. Marine Corps surprised Derrick at Wuesthoff Hospice Care Center in Rockledge, where they made him an honorary U.S. Marine.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disease that affects involuntary muscles including the heart. Derrick was diagnosed at 5, and eventually became confined to a wheelchair.
Derrick-Doane said her son, despite his condition, kept a positive attitude and inspired many people.
"He was just one of a kind," she said. "When he was diagnosed, I just couldn't understand why. As the years have gone by, all the pieces of the puzzle have come together."
Derrick was extraordinarily patriotic, but he was also an ordinary teen. He played video games, liked MySpace and heavy metal.
In 2008, he met his favorite band, Iron Maiden. The uncle of Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr read about Derrick in a FLORIDA TODAY story, and arranged for Burr to be at Derrick's baptism. In March 2008, Derrick went backstage at an Iron Maiden concert.
Derrick died with his family around him. He leaves behind his mother; stepfather, Jimmie Doane; brother, Wade; stepbrother, Dwight; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a cat named Shadow.
A public visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Community Alliance Church, 4855 Fay Blvd., Port St. John.
A celebration of Derrick's life will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Rockledge Church of the Nazarene, 651 Barnes Blvd. Following the celebration, The Leathernecks, a Marines motorcycle club, will lead a ride in Derrick's honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice & Palliative Care, 8060 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, 32940.
Contact Shrum at 242-3612 or ashrum@floridatoday.com.
Ellie
Honorary Marine was always faithful
Disease claims PSJ teenager
BY AUTUMN SHRUM
FLORIDA TODAY
He never had the opportunity to report for duty, but Travis Derrick of Port St. John epitomized the courage and strength of a Marine.
Derrick, 17, died at home Wednesday night after a long battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He had always dreamed of joining the U.S. Marine Corps.
In February 2007, doctors told Derrick he had less than a year to live. His mother, Tracey Derrick-Doane, told him they could go anywhere he wanted for vacation that year. He requested to visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen servicemen.
Money was tight, but with help from family, friends and the community, Derrick-Doane raised enough to take the trip in May 2007.
Marines were heroes to Derrick. But to Marines, Derrick was the hero. In July 2008, members of the U.S. Marine Corps surprised Derrick at Wuesthoff Hospice Care Center in Rockledge, where they made him an honorary U.S. Marine.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disease that affects involuntary muscles including the heart. Derrick was diagnosed at 5, and eventually became confined to a wheelchair.
Derrick-Doane said her son, despite his condition, kept a positive attitude and inspired many people.
"He was just one of a kind," she said. "When he was diagnosed, I just couldn't understand why. As the years have gone by, all the pieces of the puzzle have come together."
Derrick was extraordinarily patriotic, but he was also an ordinary teen. He played video games, liked MySpace and heavy metal.
In 2008, he met his favorite band, Iron Maiden. The uncle of Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr read about Derrick in a FLORIDA TODAY story, and arranged for Burr to be at Derrick's baptism. In March 2008, Derrick went backstage at an Iron Maiden concert.
Derrick died with his family around him. He leaves behind his mother; stepfather, Jimmie Doane; brother, Wade; stepbrother, Dwight; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a cat named Shadow.
A public visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Community Alliance Church, 4855 Fay Blvd., Port St. John.
A celebration of Derrick's life will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Rockledge Church of the Nazarene, 651 Barnes Blvd. Following the celebration, The Leathernecks, a Marines motorcycle club, will lead a ride in Derrick's honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice & Palliative Care, 8060 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, 32940.
Contact Shrum at 242-3612 or ashrum@floridatoday.com.
Ellie