Support Joey's Journey to Recovery

My name is Steve Howell and we are raising money for Joey Leggio's medical and recovery. Joey will not be able to finish the season and will be going through some painful recovery and physical therapy.

We set out to fish yesterday morning for Sheepshead. We laughed and fished all morning, and the way back turned into a life and death situation. Joey was behind the leaning post when we went over a boat wave in J-Bay and fell overboard. We think he got his arm caught on the rear cleat but we're not 100 percent sure. Joey was in the water with a large laceration from his elbow to his wrist. I was able to get him out of the water and onto the boat. I took my shirt off to tie a tourniquet around his arm and then proceeded to call 911. We got him to a dock on Beach Channel Drive. There was a restaurant there on the water, The Ward, that also called 911, and a few nurses having lunch assisted. I’d like to thank you and also the person who gave me a belt for a better tourniquet. It was so bad.

He was rushed to the hospital and then transported to North Shore where he underwent surgery for four hours. I spoke with him this morning to make sure it was OK that we could talk about this. He should be home in a few days. I spoke with Joey a little while ago and he said the doctor mentioned if it was one more millimeter, it could have been much worse. We can thank God and send lots of prayers for Joey and his family. Joey has his phone, so reach out to him and give him some support!! Thank you all.