When baby Derek Leon entered the world, doctors delivered the kind of news no parent ever wants to hear. They warned his family that he might not survive long. Diagnosed with Holoprosencephaly (HPE) — a rare condition in which the brain does not fully develop into separate hemispheres during pregnancy — Derek’s journey began with uncertainty, fear, and an incredible outpouring of love from the one person determined to protect his story.

His mother, Amber Collins, still remembers the heartbreak she felt while pregnant. Early scans had hinted that something might be different, but it wasn’t until she was eight months along that doctors explained the full severity of Derek’s condition. “They told us he might not survive birth,” Amber shared. “We prepared ourselves to say goodbye before we even had the chance to meet him.”

Faced with impossible decisions, Amber and her partner chose to continue the pregnancy, holding onto the hope of simply being able to hold their son — no matter how brief that moment might be. When Derek arrived, he wasn’t suffering the way they had feared. Instead, he started fighting with a quiet strength that continues to amaze everyone around him.

In his first months of life, Derek spent long stretches in the hospital as doctors monitored breathing difficulties and feeding complications connected to his condition. Yet through every challenge, he kept surprising his medical team with his resilience. Every small movement, every time he opens his eyes, and every gentle smile feels like a miracle to his family.

Amber has been by her son’s side through it all, choosing to share videos of Derek online to raise awareness about children born with rare conditions. While the vast majority of responses have been filled with love and support, some comments have been deeply painful. Instead of seeing Derek as a child fighting for his life, a few people posted cruel remarks and harsh judgments about his appearance and condition.

Rather than stay silent, Amber spoke out with powerful grace. “He’s not ‘it.’ He’s our son,” she said firmly. “He deserves kindness just like any other child.” She has made it clear that she is always willing to answer respectful questions about Derek’s condition because she wants the world to understand that children like him are still capable of feeling love, comfort, and happiness.

“He may be different,” Amber added softly, “but to us, he’s perfect.”

Today, Derek remains under careful medical care and continues to defy expectations. Though his future is still uncertain, his family cherishes every single day they get to spend with him. “We don’t know what tomorrow looks like,” Amber shared. “But right now, Derek is here, he’s fighting, and he’s writing his own story.”

Amber’s courage in the face of both medical challenges and online negativity has become a beacon of hope for other families walking similar paths. Her message is simple yet profound: every child deserves compᴀssion, dignity, and the chance to be seen for who they truly are — not defined by a diagnosis or cruel words.

Baby Derek’s story is far more than a medical journey. It is a powerful testament to a mother’s unwavering love, a family’s quiet strength, and the importance of choosing kindness in a world that sometimes forgets how to be gentle. Through every hospital stay, every difficult moment, and every heartfelt video, Amber is making sure her son’s life is defined by love, not by fear or judgment.

Little Derek may face more obstacles ahead, but he is already surrounded by a love that refuses to let him be defined by anything less than the beautiful fighter he is. His mother’s voice is loud and clear: kindness matters, awareness matters, and every precious life — no matter how different — deserves to be celebrated.

Our hearts are with baby Derek, Amber, and their entire family as they continue this deeply personal journey. May they be wrapped in strength, support, and the kind of love that turns every day into a beautiful victory.