INNISFAIL - Members of the community are showing loving and compassionate support for a local student following a freak accident in early June.
Eighteen-year-old Josh Marston is still recovering in a Calgary hospital after he injured his leg when he jumped off a hay bale while hanging out with friends. The leg snapped in the opposite direction, splitting the main artery in his leg.
Marston was rushed to hospital in Calgary where he had immediate surgery to save his right leg.
Things did not go as hoped, and on June 17 Marston had knee reconstructive surgery and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.
The Innisfail community has rallied around the family, including Marston's graduating classmates and staff at Innisfail High School.
"We're just trying to support the family through a tough time and do what we can do," said Wayne Pineau, principal. "We're working with him to help him get through the things that he needed (to finish up courses)."
Because of the accident, Marston could not join his fellow classmates for Grade 12 graduation on June 8.
Pineau said staff and students sent their thoughts and prayers to Marston and family on graduation day and he later went to the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, where Marston is recovering, on June 13 to present him with his Grade 12 diploma.
"He's been very upbeat and I think he's starting to come to grips with (the situation) and he understands," said Pineau, noting he shared some encouraging words with Marston in hospital and details of his own grandfather's life, who was also an amputee. "I told him (what I said) in the grad speech, that this becomes an obstacle but obstacles are designed to get past. My grandfather was an amputee and was one of the most capable men I've ever known.
"While he's missing his leg, this doesn't take away his drive or his passion. I know he wants to be a mechanic and I think that's still a goal he can attain," he added.
Innisfail resident Talitha Watkinson is one of several local citizens, friends and colleagues that heard about the accident and stepped up to help the family during this difficult time.
Watkinson organized a fundraiser that included a silent auction, a collection of donations and entertainment with local artists Cole Martin and Alex Grimberg at the Fox and Hound in Innisfail on June 22.
“I have kids and I can’t imagine if something catastrophic like that happened. I imagine they probably need support,” said Watkinson. “It’s a lot to try and deal with so just knowing your community is behind you (can mean a lot). Every little bit helps when you’re dealing with something unexpected like that,” she added.
It’s been a challenging time for the entire family, Watkinson noted.
“His parents are driving back and forth to Calgary every day and he has younger siblings at home so they’re trying to manage,” she said.
The fundraiser collected about $1,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates and raised $875 in cash donations.
Watkinson said she appreciates the support from the community and will donate all funds raised to Josh Marston and his family to help with several expenses.
“We’re hoping (to raise money) for a prosthetic leg and travel costs for his family to go back and forth from Innisfail to Calgary,” said Watkinson, noting a recent update on Josh on a GoFundMe page that was recently created.
“He did an update on the GoFundMe page and it looks like the surgery (on June 17) went well and he’s doing alright so far,” said Watkinson.
More than $1,200 dollars has already been raised through the crowdfunding platform.
To support Josh Marston and his family visit his GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/gofundme-for-josh-marston-and-his-family
