Help Support Gareth's Stroke Recovery Journey

On Wednesday, our family’s world was turned upside down. Gareth—35 years old, healthy, active, and always the one to take care of others—woke up feeling off. His balance was gone, he could barely walk, and something just wasn’t right. He was rushed to the ER, where doctors initially suspected vertigo. After further testing, we learned the true and frightening cause: a brain stem stroke.

We are incredibly thankful he survived. But he’s facing serious challenges. While the right side of his body can still move, it feels numb, heavy, and asleep, and he currently cannot walk. He is also experiencing double vision, and his right eye and equilibrium have been affected so severely that it feels like the world is constantly spinning. The right side of his throat is weakened, and the left side of his body has lost all ability to feel temperature.

He currently has emergency temporary insurance that is covering his hospital stay and rehab, but it does not cover the ambulance transfer, and we are unsure if it will cover any additional expenses going forward. This uncertainty adds to the financial strain as he begins his recovery.

Right now, he’s being transferred by ambulance to an intensive rehabilitation center, where he’ll stay for 1–2 weeks before beginning a long recovery journey expected to last 3 to 6 months, and possibly longer. With therapy and time, we’re hopeful he can regain strength, vision, balance, and independence—but there are still many unknowns ahead.

What makes this even more personal: he works at the very hospital he's now recovering in, Sierra View Medical Center, as an EVS worker. Thanks to the stroke training he received there, he recognized the signs immediately—specifically the BEFAST acronym—and knew to call 911. That awareness likely saved his life.

BEFAST is a tool everyone should know:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden changes in vision, including double vision

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred or strange speech

T – Time: Call 911 immediately—time saves brain

This is a reminder to us all: strokes can happen to anyone, at any age, and acting quickly can make all the difference. Knowing these signs can save a life—yours or someone else’s.

Gareth is the sole provider for his household and has always played a major role in supporting our family. He’s never smoked or drank, lives an active lifestyle, and has always put others first. Now, he needs support as he faces this life-changing moment.

We’re raising funds to help cover urgent and ongoing expenses, including:

Our family is doing all we can, but we can't do it alone. If you’re able to donate, please know that every contribution makes a difference—big or small. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this page helps just as much.

Thank you for standing with our family. Your prayers, love, and support mean more than you know.

With gratitude,

The Jewett Family