Deric F.

This experience began as a gift to my late wife Jessica - we were Wheel watching fanatics (every day at 6:30pm), and we always talked about/dreamed about going on the show. Less about the prizes and money and more about the adventure and the challenge. I applied in 2022 as a fun surprise to her. When I didn't hear back, I simply took it in stride. Jessica passed away in September of 2022, a few months before I was invited to be on the show, but I was determined to do well for her! The experience was nothing short of surreal - the sets, the people, the history that seeped from every corner of the building - magical. The biggest surprise might have been just how heavy that wheel is - you don't spin it; you grab it and push it forward! Interestingly, I had a severely torn shoulder during the show and postponed my surgery in order to make the air date (you can see me wincing with each spin! LOL) and that wheel was quite the challenge. Honestly, nerves never came into play, due mostly to the wonderful producers and crew. From the makeup artists to Pat and Vanna, everyone took great measures to keep us focused - not just on the game, but on having fun and savoring the experience. I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with family and friends when it airs (longest "secret" I've ever had to keep!). This was an experience I will treasure my entire life, it was an amazing final gift for my beloved late wife Jessica (unbeknownst to most, I had her picture in my left vest pocket, and a tiny bag of her ashes in my right - we did it together!), and it was an awesome conclusion to a lifelong dream.