MEET Garret
On June 21, 2024 Garret was a 24 year old teacher, coach when a diving accident changed his life forever, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He is now on a lifelong journey of ongoing therapy, procedures, and surgeries in pursuit of greater comfort and quality of life.
Garret grew up playing sports and played baseball in college. As an athlete, he has always known the meaning of discipline, resilience, and the daily grind. But this challenge is an entirely new playing field, one that demands not only physical strength but also unshakable courage and mental toughness.
Garret fractured his C5 vertebrae causing a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis. He underwent a C4-C6 Laminectomy and a C5 Corpectomy surgery. He was unable to move his legs, his right arm, or his right hand, and had very little control of the movement in his left arm. He spent 5 1/2 weeks in ICU, another week in the hospital, and 6 weeks at Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, where he fought hard to get back as much function as possible. He was eventually able to return home with the help of his family, Laurie and Karl, and his future wife Hope. Speaking of 'future wife' - Garret and Hope tied the knot in June of 2025!
THE GARRET HERMES FOUNDATION
In September 2025, the Garret Hermes Foundation was created to not only support Garret, but also to help others as well.
THE GHF MISSION
The GHF exists to improve the quality of lives of individuals who've endured a life-altering injury by providing opportunities for connection, independence, encouragement, and community support.
THE GHF VISION
We envision a world where every person, regardless of physical ability, is seen, valued, included, and empowered to live with dignity, purpose, and hope.
In October 2025, Garret traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for wrist surgery, hoping to regain some hand function. As we sat in the waiting room before his consultation with Dr. Wu, we suddenly heard someone call, "Garret?"
It was Cody and his mom.
By pure coincidence, they were there for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Wu on the very same day. We first learned about Cody's story (and Dr. Wu) through Facebook and had been communicating with them before our trip. In fact, it was Cody's journey that led us to reach out to Dr. Wu in the first place.
What are the odds that, hundreds of miles from home, we'd run into the very family who helped put us on this path?
The kindness, encouragement, prayers, and love shown to the Hermes family meant more to them than words could express. They have felt deeply grateful for the ongoing support that has made Garret's journey a little lighter and a lot more hopeful. So just as their family and friends were there for them, the Hermes family now hopes to pay it forward. If you've sustained a life-altering injury, or if you are a caregiver of someone who has, and is in need of support, please reach out to the Garret Hermes Foundation at the following email address: Ghrtr5@yahoo.com.
