Assistance for our family member, Garrett Lewis

Hi friends and family. We have decided to start this GoFundMe on behalf of our cousin Garrett Lewis, son of Judy and Michael Lewis. Garrett is 32 years old and the father two small children. He resides in Edmonton, AB and is employed as a pipefitter. He was traveling away for work for weeks at a time and recently took a job closer to home to spend more time with his family.

Unfortunately the same week he started his new job, he was faced with multiple health issues. It began the first week of January with pain in his back, leg and foot. A CT scan revealed a large blood clot in his heart, which was the result of a heart attack. This blood clot spread a multitude of smaller blood clots throughout his body, with the most damage to his foot and big toe. He was diagnosed with arterial thrombosis. On January 28, surgery was performed on his calf and ankle to remove many blood clots that were preventing blood from flowing to his foot. His pain eased a bit, but the damage to his big toe was irreversible. On February 13, Garrett had his entire big toe amputated. He remains in hospital awaiting an MRI to determine the extent of damage to his heart, and if it is permanent or can be rehabilitated. He also has hundreds of blood clots throughout his body, blood thinners will hopefully remedy this situation over time.

Physiotherapy is required to learn to walk without his toe, and he will need a prosthetic insert to wear in its place in footwear. Because Garrett recently started a new job, he has no health benefits. There is no indication of how long he will remain in hospital. It is tough enough to get by these days being 100% capable, but such a huge setback is extremely difficult with a new job and young family.

Sorry to be so long winded, but wanted to explain what led to the removal of his toe, and what is ahead for Garrett. Any monetary donation would help ease his financial burden at this time, as he has no idea the timeframe to return to work. As well, we ask that you add Garrett to your prayers as his condition is quite serious and uncertain at this time. Thank you so much, Shawna and Cherie, xo.