A community is rallying around a retired Staples High School employee as he begins the long journey back to full health. 

Horace Lewis, who was the head custodian at the school for over 30 years, just retired over a year ago and was ready to enjoy his golden years before his health took a turn for the worse.  
  
Lewis’ wife Bonnie on a GoFundMe page that she set up back in July said he had to be rushed to the hospital with extreme leg pain. Lewis ended up collapsing in the emergency room, needing CPR, went into cardiac arrest twice and lost oxygen to his brain. 

Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas is pulling for Lewis, who is now recovering.
 
"He knew everything about Staples,” Thomas said. “You know, you see in the rankings that Staples High School is the No. 1 high school, but what really makes us a special place is the people.  And he was exceptional.  Not just at his job but so welcoming, and I think I mentioned earlier he really embodies what it is to be a true gentleman."  

Thomas also hopes Lewis will come back to the high school to be recognized once he's able to. 

Lewis’ family says when he can come home, he is going to need all kinds of equipment and they hope the GoFundMe will help.