An assistant fire chief with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services is recovering in a Hong Kong hospital after contracting an infection commonly known as flesh-eating disease, forcing the amputation of part of his leg during a family vacation.
Marie Hui says her partner Christopher Won is 害羞草研究所渓ucky to be alive, and very grateful for another day害羞草研究所� after the bout with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare bacterial infection that can start with a seemingly benign scrape, cut or even a bug bite.
In an email, she says the family can害羞草研究所檛 recall Won having any such wounds or bites, but the infection forced the amputation of his leg above the knee on Feb. 15.
Hui says the family suspects the trouble began in Singapore, as Won started feeling symptoms on the way to the airport to fly back to Hong Kong.
She says the couple and their two children will face a challenging road to recovery, but they are 害羞草研究所渙ptimistic害羞草研究所� with the support of their family and community.
She says her parents flew to Hong Kong from B.C. to help take care of the couple害羞草研究所檚 two children while the family waits for Won to be cleared to fly home.
In a post on Instagram, Hui says Won 害羞草研究所渁lmost didn害羞草研究所檛 make it out of that operating theatre alive害羞草研究所� during the amputation, but he and the doctors 害羞草研究所渇ought hard.害羞草研究所�
Hui also shared a photo showing Won sitting up in a hospital bed with a bouquet of flowers sent by Vancouver city councillors and Mayor Ken Sim.
A statement from Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry says the department is grateful for the outpouring of support for Won, 害羞草研究所渙ne of the strongest, most resilient and committed people we know.害羞草研究所�
Hui also shared a message from Won, saying the support has been 害羞草研究所渙verwhelming害羞草研究所� and he 害羞草研究所渃an害羞草研究所檛 wait to come home害羞草研究所� to thank everyone in person.
A fundraising page set up by a friend of the family says Won害羞草研究所檚 career with the city has spanned more than 20 years, while Hui is 害羞草研究所渂eloved害羞草研究所� as an anthem singer for teams including the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps.
READ ALSO:
The Canadian Press
