Derek and Kathy Frank.
For Derek, the last two years have been a time of facing tough challenges. Diabetes is not an easy thing to manage, and he’s experienced the loss of his leg and many eye surgeries due to the disease. But today, Derek is thriving. He has a good place to live, a job, and he’s working toward a college degree in graphic design.
His success is the result of his perseverance and positive attitude, and support from his brother and Dungarvin staff.
“He’s not afraid of anything; he’s just a go-getter,” said Tammie Mellen, a Program Director at Dungarvin Colorado. “He doesn’t think that disabilities hold him back from anything, and I love that.”
Derek, 47, lives with his brother in Denver, where he receives Independent Living Services from Dungarvin.
He works at Home Depot, assisting customers with renting equipment, and he takes online classes from Bellevue University in Nebraska. He’s proud to report that he’s made the Dean’s List twice.
Working with Tammie and his Direct Support Professional, Kathy Frank, Derek receives just the right amount of support he needs. Dungarvin tailors services to each individual’s needs and aspirations, a practice that stems from the company’s mission to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports.
For years, Derek didn’t concern himself much with his diabetes and wasn’t sure how best to manage it. However, after the ensuing complications and ongoing issues with his eyes, he’s now taking it much more seriously. Tammie and Kathy support and encourage him to stay on top of his self-care.
Derek's drawing of the Marvel Comics character Silver Surfer.
“We make sure that he gets to his doctors’ appointments; we encourage him to make the right dietary choices, as best we can, and to take care of himself,” Tammie said. “We really want to see him thrive in that health aspect, and live a long, full life.”
Derek has a prosthetic leg and he doesn’t drive. So, in addition to transporting him to his medical appointments, Kathy takes him to do his laundry, grocery shop and run other errands. However, once he’s where he needs to be, he’s adamant about doing things himself. “He’s very independent,” she said.
When Kathy first met Derek in January 2025, he was somewhat apprehensive, concerned that Dungarvin staff might try to control his life. “He doesn’t like to be pushed or told what to do,” Kathy said.
“But I’m not like that. I can suggest, and that’s all I do. I think he’s really blossomed. He’s much more outgoing with me now.”
Derek agreed that he’s developed a good relationship with Kathy. “She’s great to work with. She gives me encouragement,” he said.
Derek started college in the fall of 2024 and is hoping to finish his degree in 2029. He puts in about 24 hours a week of studying. Although he’d prefer to be on campus, he’s enjoying the online college experience. “By spring or summer, I’ll be done with my general education classes, and in the fall, I have design classes and I’ll be looking for internships,” he said.
He’s always loved to draw, especially cartoons, celebrities and characters from comic books. He collects figurines from his favorite movies and loves to play video games. After college, he hopes to find a job in animation.
Tammie and Kathy both said they are impressed with Derek, enjoy working with him and will be there every step of the way to support him.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit us at www.dungarvin.com to learn more.