Staff photo by Fritz Busch Survivor supporters take the walk of hope from German Park to the Art Wall Park Saturday.

NEW ULM — A New Ulm online teacher who survived necrotizing fasciitis (NF), also known as flesh-eating disease, urged people to make the world a better place by being a hero for someone at Shine the Light at German Park Saturday.

Gordon talked for nearly an hour at the suicide awareness and prevention program, describing his own challenges that began in earnest more than eight years ago.

“My life totally changed on March 18, 2015,” said Gordon. “I was helping my wife get our children ready for school that day when I scratched the back of my hand on the garage wall. Three days later, I woke up with a big bump on my right elbow.”

The bump kept getting bigger. Soon Gordon’s right arm swelled to three times the size of his left arm. He was flown to Rochester, admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, learned he had NF and was put in a five-day medical coma while undergoing a number of surgical operations including lots of skin grafting.

“I was given a 30% change of survival. Doctors planned to remove my right arm until an occupational therapist noticed I still had hand function,” Gordon said. “There were many more skin grafting and harvesting after the coma.”

Gordon said he looked at his body after the skin grafts and wondered what would happen next in this life.

“I was in darkness but thankfully, it didn’t last long,” Gordon said. “My wife Becky told me about all the wonderful things that were happening for us while I was in the hospital. People shoved snow for us, dropped off food and clothing and played with our kids. We opened a fund-raising account.”

Gordon said he soon got “an attitude of gratitude” and began to be thankful for the little things he previously took for granted, like eating pizza and for being able to watch his favorite movie “Blazing Saddles.”

“Think, acknowledge and give,” said Gordon. “Actively augment appreciation of others. Like my wife, who is a fantastic mother, musician and many other things that benefit the community. I’m blessed because of her.”

Gordon said he returned to running and picked up trash he found along the roads he ran. She shoveled snow for neighbors that needed help.

“You can help others by volunteering at the school, library, hospital and other places,” said Gordon. “Share with others. Remember you are not alone. We all know about being in a dark place at one point. It’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to get better.”

Gordon’s story has been featured in runner’s World magazine, on a number of television stations, Life Quote Journal and a book “Business, Life and the Universe” by Corey Poirier.

The program in German Park began with yoga, followed by the walk of hope to the Art Wall Park.

The Brown County Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program includes the Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Loss Support Group that meets from 6:30 to 8p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the John Lind House, 622 Center St. in New Ulm.

The peer-facilitated and open support group is for any adult grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. The group allows survivors to voice painful feelings others about suicide and to learn from each other.

For more information, visit www.browncoyellowribbon.com and chrisdtgordon.com.