About Garret Hermes & the Garret Hermes Foundation
This is Garret.
Garret Hermes was a teacher and coach at Community High School where he coached the school's Braves Baseball team. Garret loved doing what he did - he has always loved playing sports, especially baseball. As a prior high school & college athlete himself, he knew exactly what it took to motivate his students in the classroom and his players on the field. ​
On Friday, June 21, 2024, Garret was in a swimming accident. He was airlifted to Medical City Plano Hospital where the doctors and nurses immediately went to work saving his life.
​They determined that Garret endured a C5 and spinal cord injury that had resulted in paralysis. He underwent a C4-C6 Laminectomy and a C5 Corpectomy surgery the following day. Garret fought hard while in the hospital and eventually he was 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 help others with life changing injuries. Our mission at GHF is to improve the lives of individuals facing life-changing injuries by providing opportunities for connection, independence, and life-enhancing endeavors - and to remind them that they are never alone on their journey.
In October of 2025, Garret traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for wrist surgery in hopes of regaining some of his wrist functions. So far they are optimistic about the results. Garret works hard every day - whether in a physical therapy session or at home. Garret's light hearted & fun loving personality has played a big part in his healing journey recovery.
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 know of someone who has, and is in need of support, please reach out to the foundation @ Ghrtr5@yahoo.com.
