Update: October 3:

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a year since Duffy was medavaced to UHNBC, beginning a journey none of us could have imagined. He spent 12 weeks in a hospital bed and underwent 9 major surgeries during that time.

Today, Duff is home and we are insanely grateful for that. But unfortunately, the journey is far from over.

Duff is still unable to return to work and the health concerns he has been battling are still very much present. Truth be told, his symptoms and health issues have unfortunately started getting progressively worse again. He is currently waiting for a call from a specialist in Vancouver in hopes of getting some answers and figuring out what comes next.

Duff is trying to get approved for long-term disability so that he can have some financial support while he is unable to work and continue to cover basic living expenses, including his rent. Unfortunately, he has not been able to get that support in place yet.

Over the course of the last 11 months, the very generous donations that were previously made to Duffy’s GoFundMe have helped keep him going. That money has gone toward keeping a roof over his head, keeping the lights on and making sure there are groceries in the fridge for Duffy and Lyric. We cannot express how grateful we are for everyone who helped make that possible. ❤️

But after nearly a year without being able to work, those funds have understandably been used up, while the need for financial support continues.

The future is still very uncertain and we don’t know what the next chapter of this journey will look like. What we do know is that life and bills don’t stop just because someone is sick.

Duff and Lyric have been through more than anyone should have to endure and right now, they need a little more help getting through this next part. Their strength and determination to pull through is admirable but they need help.

If you are able to donate, any amount—big or small—is incredibly appreciated. Every donation helps take a little bit of the financial pressure off while Duffy focuses on his health and getting the care he needs.

And if you aren’t in a position to donate, sharing his GoFundMe is just as meaningful. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who has supported Duffy, checked in, shared his story, donated, prayed, or simply kept him in your thoughts throughout this incredibly difficult year. Your generosity has made a real difference—not just financially, but by reminding Duffy that he is not facing this alone.

Update: February 17:

Duff just got confirmation earlier today that he will need yet another surgery. His 9th surgery since this all began back in November. We were so hopeful that this was all over and he was on his road to recovery but today’s news has set him back a minimum of another 4-6w in recovery and he’s not sure what’s happening with his medical EI. Any donation, big or small is greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much to everyone that have shared, donated and supported Duff and Lyric in any way. We all appreciate you more than words will ever be able to properly express.

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Update: January 25:

After 8 surgeries and 12 long weeks in the hospital, Duff is finally going home!

Duff has shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this journey and truly defied the odds, but this outcome would not have been possible without the outstanding medical team at UHNBC. Duff would not be here today if it weren't for each and every one of the incredible surgeons, nurses, and specialists who cared for him along the way. Your expertise, compassion, unwavering support, and exceptional care saved his life. You are all absolutely amazing, and we are forever grateful for everything you've done.

While this is a huge milestone, Duff's recovery journey isn't over yet. He will be off work for at least another 2-3 months as his body continues to heal, but he is beyond excited (and relieved!) to finally be heading home.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has messaged, checked in, shared this page, donated, and supported us in any way throughout this journey. Your kindness, generosity, and love have meant more to us than words can express. We are so incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

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Update December 23: It’s been over six weeks since Duff was admitted to UHNBC, and he is still in the hospital with no clear timeline yet for when he will be able to come home.

This past Saturday, December 20th, Duff underwent his 7th surgery - a surgery to help remove a stubborn pocket of infection that wasn't healing as hoped. While this has been another challenging step in a long journey, his doctor and medical team are optimistic about his progress moving forward.

At this time, it's still undetermined how much longer Duff will remain in the hospital, but we’re hopeful and encouraged by the care he is receiving and the positive outlook from his medical team.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has donated, shared, or supported us in any way. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated beyond measure and has helped lift a tremendous weight off Duffy and Lyrics shoulders. Your kindness and generosity have made this journey so much easier for both of them.

Thank you so much everyone! ❤️

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November 19th update from Duffy:

Hello everyone. I know it’s been about 10 days since I’ve said or posted anything, but it’s been a very crazy whirlwind 10 days. I wanted to give a quick update so everyone knows what’s been going on.

On Saturday, Nov 8th, I woke up feeling off so I brought myself up Smithers ER, not thinking that this road would have led me to where it has. After a few tests and phone calls down to VGH, the doctors determined I had an extremely severe and life-threatening infection called Fournier’s Gangrene that has a high mortality rate where literally every minute counted. I was flown to Prince George and was immediately taken into surgery to try to stop the spread of the infection, as soon as I got there. I lost quite a lot of blood in the surgery and needed 3 blood transfusions. The surgery went well but I was put back into surgery 2 days later to remove a bit more infected tissues. I needed another 2 blood transfusions the following day. While in surgery, the team also found an additional issue that needed to be biopsied—thankfully, the results came back benign. I’ve had a couple scopes, which also came back clear.

The past week and a half has been full of surgeries, testing, scopes, dressing changes and IV antibiotics and while there are still a few unknowns, the good news is that things all seem to be moving in the right direction. It sounds like I’ll be in Prince George for another 5–6 weeks, and then, hopefully, I’ll be well enough to continue recovering at home - I’m not exactly sure how long that will take.

I’m writing this because I want to express my deepest gratitude to Amanda Lindsay for starting the GoFundMe, and to all of you who have donated, shared, reached out, called, or supported me in any way. I truly don’t have the words. It really is a very special group of humans I have in my life and I am seriously so honoured to call you all friends and family!!

There’s still a long road ahead, but knowing I’m not doing to die or end up homeless or have to rush my recovery has lifted such a huge weight off my shoulders. I know that thank you just doesn’t seem like it’s enough but thank you all from the bottom of heart and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon

Love you all,

Duffy

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November 11th update: I (Amanda - Lyric’s mom) spoke to some of the medical team earlier today and although Duff is in quite a lot of pain, he is stable. The condition that he has is a rare type of necrotizing fasciitis and is a very severe type of infection. He is being monitored very closely and the medical team at UHNBC has been phenomenal at caring for him. I am waiting on a call from the surgeon on confirmation but this will likely be a very long road to recovery.

I understand that finances are hard for everyone right now but any donation, big or small is greatly appreciated and will help Duff keep his rent and utilities paid to keep a roof over he and Lyrics head while he recovers.

Thank you everyone. Feel free to message me if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them.

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I’m setting up this GoFundMe for Duffy — a single dad who works hard to make ends meet on a good day, and who is now facing an incredibly tough time.

Recently, Duff had a very unexpected medical emergency that required him to be medevaced to Prince George Hospital for emergency surgery. He’s been admitted in UHNBC for the next week and will be facing a period of recovery that will likely keep him off work for a while. Unfortunately, while he focuses on healing, the rent, utilities, and grocery bills won’t wait.

I’ve set up this fundraiser to help Duff cover his rent, utilities, and groceries so he can focus on getting better and caring for our daughter, Lyric, without the added stress of falling behind financially.

If you know Duff, you know he’s one of the kindest and most solid people you’ll ever meet — the type of person who would (and has) literally given the shirt off his back to someone in need. Now, he’s the one who could use a helping hand.

Let’s come together and show up for Duff the way he’s always shown up for others. Any donation, big or small, will help. And if you can’t donate right now, sharing this page is another powerful way to help.

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time.