NAMPA, Idaho — Derrick Boles is an author and motivational speaker based in the Treasure Valley, where he speaks at schools, to law enforcement, to sports teams, and to companies.
“I try to teach, I'm an educator, I try to get people to be at their best," Boles said.
In July of 2017, all that changed when this Nampa man suffered a massive stroke. He was at the gym with his teenage daughter when it happened and changed his life forever.
“She looked at me kind of weird, and she took off and she came back with the two managers and they said you're having a stroke," he said.
Boles got medical attention right away after realizing what was happening. His doctor, Alicia Carrasco says he did everything right.
“If you can get to the hospital in the first three hours, the chance of recovery is excellent," Dr. Carraso said.
Boles was hospitalized and had to relearn everything. His recovery challenged him on every level, paving a long road of recovery for this father of four.
“I had hope, I kept believing I could get better, I kept working, I had to relearn how to speak," he said. "I had to relearn how to read."
Boles did the hard work and after a year and a half later, he's back doing what he does best - speaking and inspiring others with his story, in Idaho, and across the country.
“I just came back from Grand Canyon University, I was with Dan Majerle, he was one of the best shooters in the NBA," Boles said. "I just came back from the Super Bowl, I was there speaking as well."
He is now working on his second book, but that's not the only challenge he is tackling. He coaches a youth basketball team, and he meets with a group of men in our community every month to inspire greatness.
Bole's other community work has also been instrumental in helping local law enforcement with race relations.
“I’m excited because I think my journey is just getting started," he said.
7's Hero: Nampa motivational speaker continues to inspire after suffering a stroke
Boles is grateful that he has a second chance at life, and at being the best he can be for his family.
“I don't think people understand how important it is to invest in the people in our circle, especially family members," he said.
He wants to bring people together more than ever, and he wants to encourage a message of hope.
“You have to have hope, I don't care what else goes on in your mind, you have to continue to have hope because if you don't I promise you it will destroy your spirit," Boles said.
You can follow Derrick Boles on Facebook to hear more of his story and see his motivational posts.
Derrick's doctor says how you respond to a stroke is key. There are a few symptoms to watch out for people experiencing a stroke:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body.
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
- Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech.
- Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.
If you experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to the ER.
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