Derrik Oppermann believes his second chance at life has given him an opportunity to help others.
Derrik has sweet project
June 17, 2009
Section: News
EMMA SPILLETT
espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au
Derrik Oppermann believes his second chance at life has given him an opportunity to help others.
After a life-changing accident nearly two years ago, the Kiama man made the decision to leave his marketing background behind to become a full-time supporter of Special Olympics Australia.
This month, Mr Oppermann is helping to support the organisation by encouraging people to buy chocolates for the cause.
“Special Olympics Australia provides sport training and competition for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities,” he said.
“I decided to work with them as I have discovered that something like this could have happened to me or my son.”
In December 2007, Mr Opper¬mann was riding down a hill on his son’s scooter without a helmet, when he fell off and suffered damage to his skull.
“I thought I was gone and they really didn’t expect me to survive,” he said.
Mr Oppermann was unconscious for 10 days and had almost 50 per cent of his skull removed.
“I couldn’t remember my son’s name or my friends’ names and had a lot of trouble remembering details,” he said.
“The doctors wanted me to be in hospital for months, but I was only in for a few weeks before I was released.”
Mr Oppermann said he urged parents and young people to understand the importance of wearing a helmet.
“I think there is a law enforcing the wearing of helmets on bikes, but I don’t think it’s mandatory for children’s scooters or skateboards,” he said. “There should be a law for all two-wheel devices and parents need to educate their children about wearing
helmets.”
Mr Oppermann is encouraging residents to get behind the chocolate drive and support Special Olympics Australia.
For more information and to buy chocolate, contact Mr Oppermann on 0425 211 432.
- Jun 22, 2009 @ 03:01pm
Re Derrik Opperman, Helmut call to head off injuries. Derrik, is the luckiest man alive having survived this horrific accident on a simple razor scooter. The simple message is, for all those that believe its is clever to not wear a helmet to think again..no helmet, no head ! Prior to Derrik flaunting death he was held in the highest regard as a business negotiator selling software and in fact training staff in sales presentations and selling skills. Derrik had reached the peek in his profession. Now Derrik's life has taken on a whole new meaning. Derrik is to be congratulated for now taking up the cause to help others by fundraising for the Australian Special Oympics and spreading the word on the need to wear helmets to save others. Should you be able to assist Derrik, and in turn aid his cause, please do.
- Jun 18, 2009 @ 06:19am
Derrik is my brother. He is a true survivor and my hero! Keep up the good work boetie, we are all rooting for you here in South Africa.
Comment count: 3
I knew Derrik as a top performing sales professional. He was at the top of his game. I have been following Derrik's recovery, well done mate. You can and do make a difference. Well done on the fund raising for Special Olympics. Should you be able to assist Derrik,. and in turn his cause, please do.