NICEVILLE, Fla. – The community and friends of Niceville’s Wayne Fabozzi have stepped up and donated more than $17,000 to help pay for his medical expenses resulting from a recent accident on the Eglin range.
Fabozzi works as a trauma medic at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Niceville.
A couple of weeks ago, unexploded ordnance on the range took his left hand from him and has left the use of his right hand in the care of reconstructive surgeons.
A GoFundMe was set up a week ago to help pay for his medical expenses as well as a 3D-printed prosthetic that will allow Fabozzi to continue to do the things he loves, from creating art to simply holding hands with his wife.
The community stepped up and in just three days blew past the $8,000 goal, quickly raising more than $14,000 for Wayne. As of Tuesday morning, the total topped $17,000.
“I don’t know anyone more selfless. He gives away more of his art than he sells and is always willing to drop everything to help fix someone’s vehicle,” said Alexander Enas, the GoFundMe organizer.
“Wayne had expected to retire this year and spend his days working on motorcycles and metal sculptures in his shop. Now that seems impossible to him. We want to give some of that hope back.”
The 3D printed prosthetic is manufactured by Unlimited Tomorrow. The TrueLimb is a lightweight, intuitive, and relatively inexpensive prosthesis
In an update, Enas said, “The outpouring of support has been amazing. We’re going to get the application in to Unlimited Tomorrow later today!”
To view the GoFundMe please visit:https://gf.me/v/c/4cpt/get-a-new-hand-for-wayne
