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B.C. firefighter recovering abroad after losing leg to 㽶Ƶֱflesh-eating㽶Ƶֱ infection

Vancouver assistant fire chief contracted infection while on family vacation

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 㽶Ƶֱlucky to be alive, and very grateful for another day㽶Ƶֱ 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㽶Ƶֱt 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 㽶Ƶֱoptimistic㽶Ƶֱ 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㽶Ƶֱs two children while the family waits for Won to be cleared to fly home.

In a post on Instagram, Hui says Won 㽶Ƶֱalmost didn㽶Ƶֱt make it out of that operating theatre alive㽶Ƶֱ during the amputation, but he and the doctors 㽶Ƶֱfought hard.㽶Ƶֱ

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, 㽶Ƶֱone of the strongest, most resilient and committed people we know.㽶Ƶֱ

Hui also shared a message from Won, saying the support has been 㽶Ƶֱoverwhelming㽶Ƶֱ and he 㽶Ƶֱcan㽶Ƶֱt wait to come home㽶Ƶֱ to thank everyone in person.

A fundraising page set up by a friend of the family says Won㽶Ƶֱs career with the city has spanned more than 20 years, while Hui is 㽶Ƶֱbeloved㽶Ƶֱ as an anthem singer for teams including the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps.

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