Derek Evans ’14 Writes Book about Rare Condition

Derek Evans held a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Spring Township in July.

When he was 17, Derek Evans ’14 was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, characterized by too little blood returning to the heart and a rapid heart rate after certain shifts in the body’s position.

For years, he hid his condition, until he collapsed on the job while working for a rental car company in his hometown of Reading. Derek made a career change—he started a financial advising business, DEVS, LLC—and decided to tell his story to raise awareness about this disorder.

In March, he released the book So Close to Death Yet So Far Away. The book is available through major retailers and Weebly. Derek is also organizing a charity softball tournament in Limerick in September 2017 to benefit POTS awareness.

Find more information on Derek and his book:

• Reading Eagle: “Derek Evans Wants Others to Know about His Condition”
• WFMZ-TV: “Exeter Man Living with Rare Heart Disease Spreads Awareness”
• YouTube video: “Derek Evans Raises Awareness of POTS with Book Signing at Barnes & Noble”

He can be reached at derekchadevans@gmail.com.