Rescue, Recovery and Resilience
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Paige Winter’s inspiring journey
On Sunday, June 2, 2019, Paige Winter, 17, was attacked by a shark at Fort Macon, N.C., a state park near Atlantic Beach. Her father’s bravery and quick response freed her from the jaws of the shark.
A number of bystanders, beach-goers, life guards and first responders assisted with and coordinated her emergency transport via Vidant EastCare air ambulance to Vidant Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center about 80 miles away in Greenville, N.C.
Paige sustained deep lacerations to her left leg and both hands. At the medical center, a team of trauma surgeons was on standby to assess her status, close her wounds and amputate her left leg above the knee. She had further surgeries on June 4, 6 and 11.
In spite of her horrific experience at the coast, Paige remains a steadfast advocate for protecting and preserving oceans, marine life and the environment. On social media, her hashtag is telling: #SharksAreStillGoodPeople.
A Message From paige Winter
Statement from Paige Winter
June 7, 2019
I want to thank everyone for all of the support and encouragement that is really helping me stay positive while I’m getting better. It really means a lot! World Oceans Day is June 8 and I’d like to ask everyone to get involved however they can to protect and preserve our oceans and all the life in it. I can’t wait to thank you guys and join you in saving the environment. #SharksAreStillGoodPeople
Statement From the Family
June 7, 2019
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and the Vidant Medical Center team for taking excellent care of our daughter, and going out of their way to make sure we are informed, involved and comfortable during this difficult time. Their support and services have gone above and beyond, and we are so grateful for everything they have done for us as a family and especially for Paige.
Statement From the Eric Toschlog, MD, Facs, fccm
June 7, 2019
From a clinical standpoint, Paige continues to do extremely well. On June 6, 2019, she underwent an extensive, reconstructive surgery on her hands. The surgery took nearly 14 hours to complete. She is to undergo at least one additional surgery on her hands next week. Providers and staff continue to comment on the strength and resilience of Paige and her family. They have been a true joy to care for. Dr. Toschlog is Chief of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at Vidant Medical Center, and is a Professor of Surgery at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
Images
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Additional Information
For those wanting to help, a GoFundMe page has been set up to provide an opportunity to support Paige and her family during her recovery.