Let’s help get Evan back on the farm!

As many of you have probably heard, Evan is currently up against the greatest hurdle of his life.

On the evening of Monday, April 15th, and like most other days, Evan finished work at 5pm and headed to the farm to do the daily chores. Typically he would have Louie along with him, but on this night, knowing they had a cow stuck in a wet area of pasture, Louie remained in the care of his Grammy. Most evenings on the farm are busy, so Evan and his brother, Jordan, like a well-oiled machine, divide and conquer to get the work done before dark. Knowing that there was a cow needing help, Evan’s dad, Mark, made the decision to head to the farm to help out. Before going to check the cow, Mark and Evan were preparing to move some sheep. Evan set out to the barn, to get his border collie, Tuck. Mark, waiting in the sheep pasture, was concerned when Evan did not return. Heading back to the barn to check what was taking Evan so long, Mark discovered Evan collapsed, on the ground, between the barns and not breathing. Mark made the call for help to Jordan, 911 and Evan’s mom, Nancy, and began CPR. Jordan quickly arrived and took over CPR, giving Evan what we would later learn, was accurate, and effective CPR, that ultimately saved his life. Nancy’s arrival was quickly followed by paramedics who began life saving care. Evan was then quickly transported to Yarmouth Hospital.

Evan’s partner, Kari, who was in the valley at the time, received the worst phone call of her life. Kari immediately returned to Yarmouth, where Evan had been admitted to hospital, after suffering a cardiac arrest, where he was placed on life support and fighting for his life at age 35. The news came as a shock to everyone, given Evan is an active, healthy, hardworking guy, with no previous health problems.

The next 5 days were spent in Yarmouth’s ICU where Evan remained on life support. On day two the decision was made to bring Evan out of his induced coma to begin assessing his chance at recovery. A huge sigh of relief was felt by the family to hear some of his first words, asking for Jordan and if he found the cow that was stuck in the mud. In the days to follow, family and close friends waited and watched as he began to make his way toward recovery.

On April 24th Evan was transferred to the Halifax Infirmary for intensive cardiac investigations, where he currently remains. While he continues to make positive progress, his recovery is expected to be months long. The emotional and financial impact of this traumatic event has been an immense burden for Evan and his immediate family.

Evan’s story is steeped with miracles, from the quick action of his dad and brother, to the early intervention of life saving measures. His young age and good health have contributed to his ability to work toward recovery, along with the love and support of his family and close friends.

With the uncertainty of the weeks and months ahead, and the inability to return to work for the foreseeable future for both Evan and Kari, we have set up this Go Fund Me campaign to help lessen the financial burden as they navigate this next chapter.

As many know, Evan and Kari have worked tirelessly over the past year, building their new home on the farm, and only lived there 8 weeks before Evan’s trauma. They are eager to return home and enjoy time with Nora and Louie, and family.

At this time, Evan, Kari, Mark, Nancy, and Jordan would like to acknowledge the love and support they have received from family and friends. They are truly overwhelmed and thankful from the bottom of their hearts.