ASHLAND, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) – A Virginia woman who lost her hand after she was bitten by a shark is making a remarkable recovery. She now hopes to raise money for a myoelectric prosthetic hand, which has been recommended by her medical team but isn’t covered by her insurance.
Elisabeth Foley lost her left hand after she was bitten by a shark in June while vacationing in Walton County, Florida. The 45-year-old mother of three was one of three people bitten within the span of 90 minutes, WWBT reports.
She also suffered severe injuries to her midsection and spent 60 days in the hospital, according to GoFundMe.
Foley’s long road to recovery has included nerve repairs, laser surgeries and plastic surgeries, but she is doing well.
Her medical team is now recommending she get a myoelectric prosthetic hand. It is described on GoFundMe as “a specialized device that is powered by the residual muscles in the arm sending signals to the device which causes the prosthetic wrist and hand to perform specialized tasks.”
Without the hand, Foley faces “a diminished quality of life,” marked by limited skills and stunted mobility, according to GoFundMe.
However, Foley’s insurance company won’t cover the costs for the prosthetic. It is not considered “medically necessary,” the GoFundMe says.
Foley is asking the public to help her raise $73,000 for her new hand. As of Wednesday night, the goal was 73% complete with more than $53,000 raised. She is also documenting her recovery on Instagram.
One of the other people bitten by a shark the same day as Foley was 15-year-old Lulu Gribbon, of Mountain Brook, Alabama. The teenager lost both her left hand and right leg. She returned to school this fall as she continues physical and occupational therapy, WBRC reports.
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