Gavin’s Journey to Recovery

In the early hours of December 2, 2022, twenty-one year old Gavin Conatser was sleeping when a fire ignited in his home. His girlfriend, Jenae Gallegos, had yet to arrive home. Gavin awoke amongst the flames, fought hard to escape , but ended up collapsing somewhere near the front entry way. Jenae arrived just in time to see the flames, broke through the front door, and located Gavin amongst the fire and thick black smoke. She was able to drag him out of the burning structure onto the front porch. Along with the help of Daphne, the landlord residing in the lower unit, they were able to drag Gavin away from additional harm.

Gav was life flighted to the ICU burn trauma unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He has been assessed with 2nd and 3rd degree burns covering 20 to 30 percent of his body including his head, face, neck, arms and hands. Pulmonary scope testing concluded that he is a  3 on a scale of 1 to 4 for severity of lung damage due to smoke inhalation. His trauma team will assess burns in the next few days to determine recovery plan/surgeries, etc. He is stable but remains in critical condition.

Gavin has a lengthy recovery ahead, physically and mentally. It is unknown as to how long he will need to be hospitilized before he can return home to family for post acute care. It could be several months - the critical healing process has many variables and complications could arise. Our prayer is that his body responds quickly with no complications and miraculous healing!! He has been blessed with an amazing team of healthcare professionals on the burn unit. We are so very thankful for all of the compassion and support he has and is receiving at Harborview Medical Center.

The fire consumed all of Gavin and Jenae's personal belongings, their entire life gone in minutes. The source of the fire has yet to be confirmed, but structural markings are pointing

towards the possibility of an electrical issue.

Family and friends are gathering together and humbly reaching out for financial support to help with Gavin's future loss of wages, medical expenses ($3500 annual out of pocket deductible for 2022 and $3500 for 2023), lodging expenses for his immediate family while Gavin is hospitilized, and funds to help support in replacing all items taken by the fire.

Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support while Gavin journeys through his recovery.