“Attitude is everything”: Groton firefighter badly hurt in fireworks accident gives update

GROTON, Mass. — A Groton firefighter remains positive in his hospital room 12 days after he was severely injured in a fireworks accident.

Firefighter Wally Shaw has been recovering for nearly two weeks and has undergone five preparation surgeries since the incident.

On July 3, Wally was setting up a fireworks display for the town of North Andover when something went terribly wrong. The fireworks shell prematurely exploded burning Wally’s arms.

According to Wally, he has his 6th surgery on Friday to reconstruct his arm and hopes this to be his final surgery.

“I have continued to keep a positive attitude and outlook on this adventure in my life and made the best of every day. There are not enough ways to say thank you to everyone for all that has been done to help and support me. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon and being able to shake your hands. Thanks for the continued support and love,” Wally wrote in a Facebook post.

Back at the Groton Fire Department, Chief McCurdy said, almost as soon as the news spread about Wally’s injury, one of his lieutenants quickly jumped to action, setting up a GoFundMe account to help pay for Wally’s medical and regular bills.

In nearly two weeks, the GoFundMe has reached $71,000, out of a $75,000 goal.

If you would like to help, go to Fundraiser by James Crocker: Help the Helper (gofundme.com)

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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