Darek ”DUTCH” Harris

Rebuilding After Loss and Major Medical Complications - With Hope and Help!

The past two years have tested me in ways I could have never imagined. Ten months ago, I lost my beloved wife, Maria—a woman whose love and strength carried me through life’s toughest moments. Her passing left me heartbroken, but determined to honor her by rebuilding my life.

After nearly six months of grieving and counseling, I found a new job in San Antonio and felt a spark of hope. I was ready to move forward, to heal, and to start fresh. But just two weeks before I was set to begin, I suffered a serious accident at home that led to five surgeries, a life-threatening infection, and the possible loss of my lower left leg. I’ve spent over five months in the hospital undergoing intensive multiple IV antibiotics every eight hours, wound care, and daily rehabilitation sometimes up to six hours a day.

I’m still here, fighting to save my leg and working toward a full recovery. At my request, my medical team has set an aggressive treatment and rehabilitation recovery timeline and estimating another 3 to 5 months of treatments & rehabilitation before I can return to work with full physical function.

This journey has been physically painful, emotionally exhausting, spiritually challenging, and deeply humbling. But the hardest part has been watching my life, spirit, and finances unravel due to these extreme complications—knowing I can’t fix it all alone. I’ve done everything I can: negotiated with my mortgage company, leaned on family or loved ones, and applied for every government, state, and local assistance program available. Still, I’ve reached a point where I must swallow my pride and ask for help!

A close friend has reminded me that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage. So I’m reaching out to those who’ve known me across 40+ years in Idaho, 24 years in Colorado, and these last 5 yrs. in Texas. I’m asking for support—not for luxuries, but for simple survival. I need help covering basic living costs, storing my family’s belongings, establishing transportation and keeping a roof over my head until I’m able to return to work.

I believe in second chances. I believe in community. And I believe that with your help, I can rebuild—not just my life, but my spirit—and come back stronger.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being part of my survival, my recovery and my comeback story.

With my sincere gratitude and respect,

Darek “Dutch” Harris