Shawn’s road to recovery

I’m 17 and I attend cathedral high school I’m in grade 12. When I graduate I want to go to college and become a police officer.

January 5th I was driving home from a friend’s house, when I noticed smoke coming from a tent above Bayfront Park. I drove over to the area and noticed that the smoke was black I immediately knew something was wrong.

I approached the tent, I could hear a man screaming “help me“ I called my dad and told him to “come quickly and call 911” I then called my mom. I was frantically waiting for help to arrive as the man was screaming and I knew we had less than minutes to spare. My mom told me to wait and help was on its way. I told my mom “I can’t, I have to go in or he will die”

I went in and I was able to pull him out with seconds to spare before the tent was fully engulfed in flames.

The man was on fire and I rolled him in the snow and began patting the fire out.

When Help arrived we were both transported to hospital the man was in critical condition while I was treated for smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Through the man’s family I recently learnt more and discovered his name is Shawn. Today (Sunday January 12th 2025) when I went to visit Shawn he told me his story and it left me speechless.

He is recovering in the ICU.  He is going to be OK but has a long hard road to recovery. He is an amazing man who has fallen under hard times.

He is homeless. His monthly income doesn’t cover the cost of living. He can’t get on his feet and develop stability.

I’ve created this Go Fund Me for Shawn with the hopes that when he gets out of the hospital he has a small nest egg to help gain some stability so he can recover emotionally and physically in a safe warm place.

I’m asking everyone, all my family and friends, reaching out to the community and asking for help. If everybody could dig deep and just give a little, I truly feel it could go a long way. I believe everything happens for a reason. I was in the right place at the right time and was able to save Shawn. I don’t want a medal or gifts. I want Shawn to have peace of mind.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kindness.