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This GoFundMe page is being created on behalf of Chris and Sandy Byrne.
Chris was involved in a near-fatal accident back on October 4th, 2022. He was attacked by the family dog, a pit bull/lab mix named Leo, that the family rescued during COVID in April 2020. The Byrnes were in the process of raising their home and had to relocate to an apartment complex in Toms River during construction.
Not long after the move, the dog started to experience severe behavioral issues and on 10/4/22 attacked Chris as he was trying to leash him up for a walk. The dog's jaws were locked onto Chris' right forearm for several minutes, causing a massive loss of blood and permanent tendon and tissue loss. Chris was transported to Jersey Shore Trauma Center where he remained for over three months.
The doctors initially were prepared to amputate, but thanks to the tremendous efforts of plastic surgeon Dr. Ajul Shah and his staff, they were able to save Chris' arm. Over the next several months, Chris had a total of 11 surgeries—10 on the arm and one on his left leg, which was also severely injured. The surgeries consisted of a series of tissue transplants and skin grafts.
Once Chris was released from the hospital, the rehab process was just as arduous and is still ongoing. The damage Chris suffered is permanent, having lost three major tendons in his arm, which has resulted in him having very little use of his right hand.
Chris has one more major surgery ahead of him...a tendon transfer. If that is successful, it will provide Chris with approximately 85% functionality back to his right arm and hand. This is huge as it will allow him to return to work and an almost normal life. The rehab post-surgery will be between 6-7 months, and Chris' insurance only covers about half of this cost.
This is where we need your help. The cost of Chris' 11 surgeries totaled over 1.3 million. Having to pay the portion of those surgeries not covered by insurance has put a tremendous strain on the family financially and emotionally. This new and hopefully last surgery will also only be partially covered by insurance, but is so needed as it may give Chris the use of his hand back.
If you can spare a dollar to help ease the financial burden, please do; our family would be forever grateful. But if the only thing you can spare is a prayer, please do that, as we would be equally as grateful.
When in crisis, so many family and friends ask, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
We greatly appreciate any help that our friends and family can provide during this difficult time.
With Love,
Sandy, Chris & Girls