Hello, my name is Tim.

I’ve learned to live with one hand. Now I’m fighting for the chance to truly live again—with two.

Fifteen years ago, just after graduating high school, I believed I was stepping into the best summer of my life before adulthood. But one Sunday, everything changed in an instant—and nothing was ever the same again

While swimming with friends at a local swimming hole, I was attacked by a 10-foot alligator. It lunged out of the water, clamped down on my hand, and dragged me beneath the surface. I was pulled into the infamous “death roll,” spun violently six feet underwater, fighting with every ounce of strength to stay alive.

By some miracle, I managed to escape—but not before the alligator tore my left hand completely off. In that moment, I felt freedom. I fought my way to the surface, swam back to shore, and survived. That day didn’t just leave me scarred—it forever changed the course of my life.

The recovery was brutal. At just eighteen years old, I had to relearn how to live with one hand—something most people can’t even imagine. Every small task, from getting dressed to cutting food with a fork and knife, felt like climbing a mountain. The things most people do without a second thought suddenly became daily battles.

And those battles never truly stop. Even now, years later, the reminders are constant. Doing laundry, finishing household chores, or even sitting down to enjoy a simple meal out can all feel like obstacles I shouldn’t have to fight. Despite my determination, I often find myself limited in how fully I can live my life. Yet each struggle has also fueled my resilience and my drive to keep pushing forward.

Because of my love for the water and my knack for tinkering, I chose to become a marine mechanic. For over 11 years, I’ve built a career in a trade that demands strength, precision, and determination. I’ve adapted in countless ways, but there are still moments when the limitations hit hard—especially with detailed work like wiring boats or using tools that require two steady hands.

Now, I have the chance to take back what was stolen from me that day: independence. Technology has advanced, and I have the opportunity to receive a bionic prosthetic hand—the Hero RGD from Open Bionics. This isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a second chance. It would allow me to grip, hold, and move with freedom again. It would give me the ability to work without compromise, to create with both hands, and to enjoy everyday moments most people take for granted.

I’m asking for your help to make this life-changing step possible. My goal is to raise $29,000 to receive the Hero RGD prosthetic hand, along with the fittings and rehabilitation that will allow me to truly use it in everyday life. To get started, I’ve set a first milestone of $6,000. Hitting that step means I’ll finally be moving forward toward something I’ve dreamed of for years. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me closer to regaining not just function—but freedom, dignity, and hope.

If you cannot donate, sharing my story means the world to me. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of this journey.