Derri Berry

As some of you may know, there have been some recent acid attacks in Washington and Arizona within a 2 week span.  While the first attack in Washington seemed to be a random attack, the attack in Mesa, AZ on Derri Velarde has been determined to be a premeditated attack.  Hearing such events on the news would make anyone cringe at the thought of just how horrific this attack was.  But when you hear that the victim is a close friend of your family, it makes things even more heartbreaking.  And that is the case with Derri, she is a close friend of my sister Kristin, which instantly makes us all much more invested.  

During the interviews Derri has given, she tells her story of getting out of her car and being approached by a woman with a cup in her hand.  She said there was a mean look in her eyes, enough that she thought she might say something rude to her.  But unfortunately she threw the contents of her cup at her face and chest, the contents being battery acid.  The woman jogged away as if nothing had happened.  Thankfully Derri rushed into her apartment and hit the shower.  Paramedics believe that if she had not thought so quickly and instinctively that the burns would have been much, much worse.

Derri appeared on CBS this morning to share her story, you can watch and/or read it here.  A website has also been set up to share her story and healing process, you can visit that here.  You can also help by making donations to support her medical expenses and recovery costs.

Derri and her family will continue to be in my prayers.  I ask and encourage you to keep them in yours as well.