Help Thomas After Tragic Accident

On July 4th, what was supposed to be a fun family celebration turned into a life-changing tragedy. While lighting what I thought would be our final firework of the night, it exploded the second my lighter touched the wick—like a bomb going off in my hands.

In that instant, nearly every finger on my right hand was blown off. My left hand was severely injured, my right eardrum was ruptured, my left eye was damaged, and I suffered burns across my chest, stomach, and arms.

I was life-lined to Indianapolis, unconscious and on a ventilator as doctors worked to stop the bleeding and save what they could of my hands. After six long hours in the trauma unit, I finally went back for emergency surgery. The surgeon told my family he expected to amputate my entire right hand, but by the grace of God, they were able to save part of my thumb and pinky. My left hand was also badly damaged, but thankfully, all my fingers were saved.

After a few rough nights in the trauma ICU and several more days in the hospital, I was finally able to come home. But my recovery journey is just beginning. I can’t use either hand right now. The pain is constant, my hearing is muffled, my vision is blurry, and I face multiple follow-up appointments and therapy sessions every week.

This has turned my life upside down. I’ll be out of work for the foreseeable future, and we’re still waiting on disability. My family and I have been overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve already received, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

This GoFundMe will help cover travel to appointments, medical expenses, therapy, and help support my family while I heal and adjust to this new way of life. Anything helps — even just sharing my story means the world.

Thank you for your support, prayers, and kindness through this difficult time. I am lucky to be alive and thank God everyday for that blessing.