Charlie’s Road to Recovery

If you live in tonopah, you’ve seen the Finn Twins, Charlie and Henry. If you live in tonopah and you’re lucky, you’ve met them. Unfortunately, on the night of Friday, May 12th, Charlie experienced an excruciating injury that has left him both physically and emotionally scarred. When a can full of gasoline was accidentally kicked in the direction of Charlie, who was standing next to a back yard fire, Charlie’s leg was immediately engulfed in flames. The fire was quickly put out, but not before inflicting both second and third degree burns. Charlie currently lives in the home of Nicole and James Thibodeaux. Recently, Charlie’s family had made a big move from Tonopah, to Idaho. Charlie has a deep love for Tonopah, which has been his home since he was in the 4th grade. So his mother and father, Bethany and Brandon Amato, made the difficult decision to let him finish school in tonopah. Charlie is currently admitted to the UMC burn unit in Las Vegas and will be having the first of a series of surgery’s. Doctors are hopeful to stop at two surgeries, but have made it clear, that there can absolutely be more. Doctors are anticipating Charlie spending no less to 2 weeks in the Burn unit. With potential stay extensions, if more surgeries are required. Due to the recent move, Charlie does not currently have health insurance. So a hospital stay for two weeks (or more), two surgeries (or more) will be extremely costly for his family. Charlie’s mom recently started a new job in Idaho, and has had to take time off to come be with her son on this journey. Being so new to her position, Bethany does not have paid time off or sick leave accumulated. All of the time she is back in Vegas, will be unpaid. Donations are being accepted to help with all cost that may accumulate due to this awful accident, including: hospital costs, travel costs, food and room for Bethany’s stay, and household bills that may fall behind due to her not working. Charlie has a very deep love for the town of Tonopah, he plays sports, involves himself in community activities, and will be starting his junior year of high school this fall. We are hoping this amazing town could come together and help a child and family in their time of need.