**Support Eddie and His Family Through a Medical Crisis**

Eight weeks ago, Eddie underwent what was supposed to be a routine hand surgery. Unbeknownst to him, a swab taken at the time of the procedure tested positive for MRSA (a serious and aggressive staph infection). Tragically, no one informed Eddie of the result—not the doctors, not the hospital staff. He was sent home without any treatment or warning.

Weeks later, Eddie began experiencing severe symptoms: numbness spreading throughout his body and difficulty walking. Thinking it might be a pinched nerve, he sought care at Royal University Hospital. It was there—after noticing staff entering his room in full protective gear—that he finally learned he had tested positive for MRSA *back on June 11th*. A call to St. Paul’s Hospital confirmed it.

By that time, the untreated infection had spread to his spine and caused devastating damage. At just 35 years old, Eddie’s spine had deteriorated to the point that he required emergency surgery to fuse three vertebrae. While the surgery itself went well, complications continued to unfold.

Despite Eddie pleading with hospital staff *not* to discharge him—reporting that he couldn’t eat or drink and clearly wasn’t well—he was sent home. Shortly afterward, the surgical site became severely infected. He was rushed back to the hospital, where it was confirmed he had developed a life-threatening staph infection in his neck. Eddie is now on intensive IV antibiotics and will remain on them until at least October 5**.

If that wasn’t enough for one family to endure, just **three days after Eddie’s spinal surgery**, his partner gave birth to their son, **Teddie**, via emergency C-section. Though full term, baby Teddie experienced complications at birth and was admitted to the NICU. He, too, had to fight off an early infection—but this tiny warrior is doing incredibly well and is expected to be discharged in the next few days.

Eddie, his partner, and baby Teddie live in **Jans Bay**, a remote northern community over six hours from the hospital. With Eddie in long-term recovery and Teddie in the NICU, it's been incredibly difficult for his partner to stay close to both of them. The cost of accommodations, meals, and transportation has placed immense strain on their already overwhelmed family.

Eddie is expected to be discharged soon with home care, but he still requires access to daily IV antibiotics and cannot return to Jans Bay yet. To make this possible, his family needs support to help cover temporary living expenses near the hospital so they can stay together as they continue to heal.

This young family has faced the unimaginable in just a matter of weeks—medical emergencies, miscommunication, trauma, and joy all at once. But through it all, they’ve held onto hope and each other.

**Your donation—no matter how big or small—will help keep this family together, ensure Eddie continues receiving critical care, and allow his partner to remain close to their newborn son during this crucial recovery period.**

From the bottom of their hearts, Eddie and his family thank you for your kindness and support during the most challenging time of their lives.