Asia Digney, a student at Thatcher Brook Primary School, was visiting family near East Syracuse, N.Y., when she was attacked by a dog on April 20, leaving her with a broken nose, a fractured cheekbone, a cut on her cheek and extensive nerve damage on the left side of her face.
“She looks like she had a stroke whenever she smiles,” said Emilee Scott, the girl’s mother.
Because of a pending lawsuit, neither Scott nor her fiancé, Richard Ravelin, could give many details about the incident.
After several bouts of infection and long nights at the University of Vermont Medical Center, making sure Asia — who is autistic — did not rip out her IV, the family is back at home, but Asia’s not out of the woods yet.
Scott said Asia will need cosmetic surgery and a nerve graft to help bring the feeling back to her face.
Scott has struggled financially to keep up with Asia’s recovery. Her family has asked for help via a crowdfunding website, and people have responded.
The page, gofundme.com/asiamarie, had raised $7,210 of its $20,000 goal as of Tuesday afternoon. Donations ranged from as little as $5 to as much as $500.
More than 117 people donated and left hopeful messages such as “Sending love to you Asia! Praying for you and your family.”
Ravelin said he is happy to see the outpouring of support Asia has received from people in Vermont and New York.
“It’s kind of changed my opinion of humanity,” he said. “It’s amazing to see there are still good people out there.”
Grace Evans, a Stowe Elementary School student who is Asia’s friend, has decided to start her own fundraiser to try to help out.
The family will meet soon with a cosmetic surgeon to figure out how much Asia’s surgery will cost.
Scott said she is grateful for everyone who sent Asia their well wishes and donated to her medical bills.
(Stowe Today - May 19, 2016)
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