GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- After his high school graduation, Wesley Waters picked up and moved across the state to start school at C.M.U.
"I’m from the east part of Colorado Springs, I’m close to Kansas. When I left I was like dad I just want to get away. I want to keep in state tuition but go as far away as possible,” Wesley said.
During his first semester, Wesley started getting sick. He quickly developed a mysterious stomach condition. And because doctors didn't know how to treat him, Wesley’s life ended up changing forever.
"Doctors gave me wrong medication for it, caused my heart to go into cardiac arrest, and I had a heart attack from there. It never really hit me until I was actually in ICU and I was like looking around, attached to all these cords, and it was scary.” Wesley said.
It was just a year ago that the 19-year-old was far from home and hospitalized during the holidays.
"I was stuck in the hospital on Thanksgiving, eating mashed potatoes,” Wesley said.
After he was released from community hospital, doctors found that his original stomach condition was linked to fish oil used by campus dining services.
"They basically told me the best thing was to move off campus so I wouldn't have to worry about the meal plan and I could fix my own meal according.” Wesley said.
Wesley moved with basically nothing. When his mom saw his new living conditions, she turned to Hope of the Grand Valley for help.
"It is the little things. Little things are what start it. I just know in a giving community, they just need to know where to give,” Hope for the Grand Valley Founder, Vicky McGee said.
Now Wesley’s apartment is full.
He plans to give back during the holiday and hopes to eventually hold a legislative position.
"My main goal is to be mentioned in a history text book before I die,” Wesley said.
Hope for the Grand Valley says it wants to help more individuals and families over the holidays.
If you need, or someone you know needs a little extra help, you can find the organizations contact info by going to hopegv.org
