About Garret Hermes & the Garret Hermes Foundation
This is Garret.
Garret Hermes was a teacher and coach at Community High School where he coached baseball and football. Garret loved doing what he did - he has always loved playing sports, especially baseball. As a prior high school & college athlete himself, he knew 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 fractured his C5 causing a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis. He underwent a C4-C6 Laminectomy and a C5 Corpectomy surgery the following day. Garret 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 and hand. 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 GFH 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 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 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.
