Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough has revealed an update on wife Hayley Erbert's condition after her cranioplasty surgery.
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"With immense relief, gratitude and overwhelming joy, I'd like to share that Hayley's cranioplasty surgery has been successfully completed as planned," Derek captioned a photo of himself sitting by Hayley's hospital bed.
"My sincere appreciation goes to the exceptional medical team. Their expertise and steady hands were pivotal in this journey, ensuring a smooth and successful surgery. Especially Dr. Mai who not only performed the surgery but was also the one who saved her life 2 weeks ago."
Derek also noted how he and Hayley were "profoundly touched" by the "outpouring of support and prayers" from their family, friends and fans.
"Your thoughts, prayers, and positive energy have been a source of strength and comfort for us during this challenging time. It's truly heartwarming to know how much love and care surrounds us," Derek continued in his post.
"This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife's recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here. We are filled with hope and optimism for the future, knowing she is on the path to a full recovery, surrounded by such a loving community."
The 38-year-old pro dancer and choreographer concluded, "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing with us. We love you. With heartfelt thanks and endless gratitude."
Derek's sister, Dancing with the Stars co-host Julianne Hough, reposted Derek's update on her Instagram Stories and added a red-heart emoji.
Derek told his fans on December 20 that he thought their "collective energy" was helping Hayley through her health crisis, which began two weeks ago.
Derek first announced that Hayley needed to be hospitalized on Thursday, December 7, while the couple was at a tour stop in Washington, D.C. for their "Symphony of Dance" show.
Hayley became "disoriented" after a performance and was taken to the hospital, where she discovered she had a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy.
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Derek revealed last week that Hayley, whom he married in August, was in "stable condition" post-surgery and had begun "the long road of recovery."
Derek later posted an update about his dance partner's condition on Friday, December 15.
"As you all know, the past week has been a challenging journey for us due to a life-threatening event that suddenly came into our lives," the Dancing with the Stars judge captioned an Instagram video of Hayley and himself slowly walking around Washington, D.C. while Hayley was wearing a helmet.
"It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage to a nightmare in an instant. But today, we are filled with hope and relief as we share with you an update."
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Derek went on to write how Hayley was "doing well" after her first surgery, although her "recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle."
The former World of Dance judge and DWTS mirrorball trophy champion continued of his wife, "She still has a ways to go with another surgery, hopefully in a few weeks, to insert a skull implant to replace the piece that was removed during the craniectomy."
"It will restore the skull to its natural shape and protect the brain from injury," Derek explained.
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Derek then expressed "gratitude" to family, friends and fans for their "unwavering support, messages, prayers and undeniable loving energy" that both he and Hayley have felt during this time.
"While this isn't the holiday season either of us envisioned, it's one that we're incredibly grateful to have. We look forward to cherishing these moments with a deeper appreciation for life and the people in it," Derek concluded.
"We love you all. With heartfelt thanks, Hayley and Derek."
Hayley went to the hospital only one day after Dancing with the Stars aired its Season 32 finale on ABC, when Marvel star Xochitl Gomez and her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy were crowned champions.
Hayley faced another health scare around this same time last year, when she and Derek got into a snowy and "scary" accident while driving on icy roads together.
Hayley and Derek had posted the same video on Instagram in December 2022 that showed Hayley receiving stitches on the side of her face after their car hit a tree and then recovering with a bunch of junk food.
"On December 12, Derek and I got into a pretty scary car accident in the mountains. Our accident involved a steep hill, icy roads, a tree, and worst of all, the fear that we would slide off the mountain," Hayley captioned the video.
"Given the circumstances, we have so much to be grateful for. First, that there were no other people involved. Second, the quick response from paramedics. And lastly, that we are both okay and that I only walked away a little banged up, a swollen face, and four stitches above my eyebrow."
Hayley concluded, "Now, more than ever, we realize how fragile life is and how important it is to love those around you. We hope that everyone has a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season."
Derek, however, wrote in his then-fiancee's comments that she didn't "remember anything" after the crash and she was "dazed afterwards," yet still "cheerful."
Derek and Hayley got engaged in June 2022 after more than six years of dating.
"It's only the beginning... the beginning of forever," the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post at the time.
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Hayley and Derek's work relationship took a romantic turn one year later in 2015.
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But Hayley didn't find fame until she competed on So You Think You Can Dance's tenth season as a contemporary dancer and also performed as a member of the Dancing with the Stars troupe beginning in 2016.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
