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JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 19, 2018 — HK Derryberry and Jim Bradford, authors of “The Awakening of HK Derryberry,” shared the story of their friendship at “The Power of Friendship,” a fundraiser for the Union EDGE program Feb. 15.

Bradford met Derryberry at a Mrs. Winner’s chicken restaurant when Derryberry was 9 years old. His grandmother brought him to the restaurant on weekends during her work shifts. Bradford saw him there and began to come by every Saturday morning to spend time with him. Derryberry is blind and has cerebral palsy. He was born three months premature after an automobile accident killed his mother.

Through Bradford’s help, Derryberry was also diagnosed with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, an ability that allows him to remember a vast number of life experiences. Fewer than 100 people have received the diagnosis, and none of them share Derryberry’s physical disabilities.

“In life, I have always been considered the underdog,” Derryberry said. “What I mean by that is people tell me things I can’t do without complementing me on things that I can.”

Due to the accident that took his mother’s life, doctors said Derryberry would not live long, but last year he celebrated his 27th birthday.

“I’m still kicking,” Derryberry said.

Doctors also said he would be confined to a wheelchair and would not be able to go to school, but Derryberry can walk and has a high school diploma.

“Anything in life is possible if you work hard, determine what your capabilities are and maintain a positive attitude,” Derryberry said. “You can accomplish most anything in life within your capabilities. The only disability any of us have in life is a negative attitude, so I encourage all of you to always be positive.”

The Union EDGE program was started in 2015 and exists to give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a college experience. The students live and work on campus alongside students in traditional programs while learning life skills, employment skills and social skills. All funds raised at the event will go to scholarships for the EDGE program.