Heart Surgery Support for Alex & Family

On Saturday, May 17th, Alex experienced a major cardiac arrest in the kitchen of his home. It was sudden, severe, and life-threatening. Thanks to the quick actions of the first responders, both Nelson Fire and Paramedics as well as the exceptional care delivered at Kootenay Lake Hospital, he survived and was air lifted to the cardiac unit in Kelowna immediately. Doctors found a 90 percent blockage in his heart.

Alex has remained in Kelowna hospital since then, receiving intensive care and multiple medical treatments. In the early days, he was kept sedated to help his body begin healing. He is now awake, with his long-term memory and motor skills intact, a miracle in itself. His short-term memory is still recovering, which is common in these situations.

On Thursday May 29th Alex had open heart surgery for a triple bypass. This is a major procedure that involves opening the chest and surgically rerouting blood flow around the blocked arteries. Recovery from this type of surgery is intense and demanding. After the operation, he will need to stay immobile for several weeks to allow his sternum to heal. Even small movements can be painful and dangerous during this time. Regaining strength will be a slow, careful process that may take months, involving follow-up care, cardiac rehabilitation, and constant monitoring.

Andrea and Alex's family have been spending their time in Kelowna caring for Alex and navigating the overwhelming amount of new medical information, while also traveling back to Nelson to care for the two young boys and keep their small business running. The emotional, physical, and financial toll has been immense during this incredibly challenging time.

Anyone who knows Andrea and Alex knows the care, creativity, and generosity they bring into their lives and community. Right now, all their energy is focused on healing, and we are coming together to help lighten the load.

This fundraiser will help ease the financial pressure they are facing and allow them to focus on recovery and caring for their children during this incredibly hard time. It will support things like travel, accommodation, time off work, and essential needs during Alex’s long road to healing.

If you feel moved to give, thank you. Every contribution and kind word makes a meaningful difference.

We will also be organizing a meal train and list of helping hands for other ways you can support them. If you are interested in being added to that list please reach out to Discover Circus (we aren't allowed to put an email address in here).

With love and gratitude.