This morning, Hunter was smiling.
Cap on, arm wrapped carefully with the remnants of his long battle still showing, he smiled brightly, preparing for his seventh surgery.
A smile after everything he’s been through — it’s hard to believe that this young, vibrant boy, who should have been enjoying his youth, playing with friends and living carefree, has faced the unimaginable.
Hunter’s story began after an incident that could have been fatal.
He had endured a near-fatal electrocution during an ice storm, an incident that left him severely injured.
Instead of being just another moment in the storm, it became the start of a long, painful journey that would test his very will to survive.
Since that tragic day, Hunter has gone through some of the hardest challenges anyone could imagine.
He survived an arterial bleed, a terrifying and life-threatening injury, and has since faced one procedure after another.
The wound vac became a part of his everyday life, used to help heal his wounds, but also a reminder of the pain he had to endure.
Endless dressing changes, each one bringing with it the sting of fresh wounds and the sharp, unbearable reminder of how much he had been through.
And yet, despite all of that, Hunter’s resilience shines through.
Every single day, no matter how much pain he was in, Hunter fought.
And this morning, his smile was a victory in itself.
It was a reminder of the strength inside him, the strength that has carried him through every single surgery, every single painful moment.
Today, after meeting with his orthopedic surgeon, Hunter and his family were given some much-needed good news.
The surgeon showed them side-by-side photos, one from last week and one from today, and the difference was undeniable.
The improvement was significant, and it filled their hearts with a sense of relief and hope.
The left arm wounds, which had once been a source of great concern, were now healing nicely.
The progress may have been slow, but it was steady, and that was something to celebrate.
Hunter’s left thumb had been severely injured and required a stabilization pin to help the Restrata matrix do its job.
Another piece was placed over the thumb to promote healing, a crucial step in ensuring that his thumb would recover as much as possible.
Though the road to full recovery is still a long one, this moment — this progress — is a reminder that healing, no matter how slow, is happening.
The wound vac will likely remain for another two weeks, but it’s a step toward full recovery, a milestone in what feels like an endless journey.
Hunter’s road to healing is anything but fast.
But every step, no matter how small, is progress.
Eventually, reconstructive surgery on his thumb tendon will be needed, but that is still far down the road.
For now, the immediate concern is for Hunter to continue healing from his current wounds, and next Monday, surgery number eight is already scheduled.
While the reality of the situation is that Hunter’s recovery is far from over, today marked another significant step forward.
Hunter’s dad is asking for continued prayers and support as his son recovers from surgery number seven and faces the long road ahead.
He’s asking for prayers that the pin in Hunter’s thumb promotes tissue growth, and that healing continues steadily, without any setbacks.
And more than anything, Hunter’s family is praying for his pain to ease, so that their boy can begin to feel like himself again.
It’s not easy to see a child endure so much.
But despite all of the hardship, there was Hunter, smiling — a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of a strong spirit.
His smile, though small compared to the battles he’s fought, is proof of his strength.
Every smile is a victory, and today’s smile shows just how far Hunter has come.
It’s a reminder that even when things seem bleak, there is always room for hope, always room for healing.
Hunter’s journey is far from over, but every single day brings something new, something positive, something to be thankful for.
The pain that once seemed all-consuming now feels like just another step in his recovery, as his body begins to heal, piece by piece.
Each procedure, each moment of discomfort, each challenge is one step closer to the day when Hunter can look back at this long, hard journey and know that he made it through — stronger, braver, and healthier.
Hunter’s family, through all the trials, has been by his side every single day, supporting him, encouraging him, lifting him up when the road seemed impossible to continue.
Their love has been a constant, their presence a steady source of comfort as Hunter faces each hurdle with determination.
The doctors, nurses, and medical team who have worked with Hunter have also been essential to his healing.
They have provided the expertise, the care, and the support that he so desperately needed.
Hunter’s recovery is a story of hope, of survival, and of the love that can carry someone through even the darkest of times.
For anyone who has ever been through a long recovery, you know that the road is not just physical — it’s emotional too.
But Hunter has shown time and time again that even in the face of immense pain, he is strong enough to rise.
Today, he is smiling — a reminder to all of us that hope is never lost, even when the journey feels like it might break us.
Hunter’s dad has asked for continued prayers for his son.
He knows that the journey ahead will still have many challenges.
But with each prayer, with each show of support, Hunter’s family knows that they are not alone in this fight.
We all have the power to lift Hunter up, to help him heal, and to remind him that he is surrounded by a community that loves him and believes in him.
What would you like to say to Hunter?
Every message, every prayer, every bit of encouragement means the world to him and his family.
Let’s continue to lift him up.
Let’s show Hunter that he’s not alone, and that no matter how tough the road gets, we’re all here for him.
Keep lifting him up in your thoughts, your prayers, and your support, because each step forward, no matter how small, brings him closer to healing.
And one day, Hunter will look back at this journey and see that all of the love, prayers, and support helped carry him through.
Because of all of us, he will make it.
And we will be with him every step of the way.
