(WWJ) This story may be difficult to read, but the goal is to get help and bring hope to a little boy who survived a terrifying attack.
An online fundraiser has been launched for 9-year-old Hunter Heater, of Oakland County's White Lake Twp., who was "severely wounded from head to toe" in a dog mauling last month.
According to the GoFundMe page for "Hunter's Recovery," Heater was jumping on a trampoline at a friend's house on Oct. 13, 2021, when two dogs got loose from their cages.
They went right for him.
"He suffered massive lacerations and wounds that were [mere] inches from main arteries. Luckily he was able to receive immediate medical attention and rushed to a hospital," reads the page, which seeks donations for Heater's "overwhelming" medical expenses.
"Hunter had over 200 stitches on his arms face legs and neck and over 40 staples and his skull. They also had to put the muscles in his leg and arm back together and he had multiple skull fractures near the temporal bone behind the left ear."
The family said the dogs just missed the boy's jugular and his trachea. He had swelling and fluid in his brain; and, while the swelling has done down, he is suffering from memory loss.
He's going through physical therapy to help him walk again.
"There will be lots and lots of scars all over his arms, legs, neck, face and head; some might require plastic surgery in the future. It's unknown the extent of the damage until he heals," the pages continues.
While Heater remains "full of life," his family says he is emotionally, mentally and physically scarred from this traumatic event.
As of Wednesday, $13,400 had been raised, surpassing the posted $10,000 goal.
Those interested can make a donation or read updates about Heater's recovery HERE. (**Note: Some photos on the GoFundMe page may be disturbing).
Meanwhile, White Lake Police officers, including those who responded to the horrific scene, are donating money to the cause. In return the department will allow them to grow beards throughout the new year. The public is invited to stop by the White Lake Township Police Department and purchase a beard. For a $5 donation, you can buy a beard, sign it, and stick on the wall in the lobby. You can also make donations through PayPal.
