Help Kathryn heal from dog attack

Dear friends, family, and community members,

We have organized this GoFundMe to help support our dear Kathryn Swartz through the aftermath of a violent dog attack that left her with physical and emotional scars, lost wages, and current and future medical bills. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated as she bravely navigates this new reality. As you continue reading, please note that her story includes graphic details and a photo.

On Friday, June 16th, Kathryn arrived at a potluck in Keezletown where the homeowner's dog, an 80-pound pit bull, was present. She was not aware that the dog had a history of aggression. After one of the guests beckoned her to come and greet the dog, Kathryn bent down to say hello. With no provocation, it attacked her face, biting her twice and completely severing the majority of her bottom lip.

The owner and other guests were able to separate the dog from Kathryn, look after her while she went into shock, and call 911. First responders took her to Sentara RMH by ambulance. Her traumatic facial injury was so severe that the RMH staff decided to transfer her to UVA Health. They first planned to transport her via medevac helicopter, but the weather was not conducive.

Once at UVA, Kathryn received the devastating news that they would not be able to reattach her lip. She went into emergency surgery just after midnight, and the UVA surgeons were able to pull together the skin of her cheek and chin, and stitch up the remainder of her bottom lip. She was released the following morning to begin a physically and emotionally intense recovery at home. For the first week, she was restricted to a liquid/puree diet and slowly weaned off narcotic painkillers.

On June 23rd, her stitches were removed and she could begin to eat firmer foods and rebuild her strength. The doctors said it may take the wound up to a year to fully heal, at which point she may consider reconstructive surgery depending on the functionality and appearance of her lip at that point.

As you may imagine, Kathryn has responded to this trauma with all the courage, grace, openness, beauty, and zeal for life for which she is known. But it's also been very difficult – leaving her with nerve pain, altering her appearance, affecting her facial mobility, and preventing her from working for weeks.

Kathryn's dear friends and family have cocooned her in love these past two months to help her through the painful and disorienting beginning of this healing journey. Now, let's help her get back on her feet financially. Thank you for any amount you can contribute.