A NH man who was severely burned at work remains in the ICU as the community lends help
A New Hampshire man who suffered severe burns on the job remains in a Boston hospital as friends and complete strangers support his wife and young daughter.
Mike Papagno, 33, an electrician, was on the job on November 12, moving heavy equipment in New Hampshire when he accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire and suffered an “arc flash,” a shock that resulted in a third-degree injury. He burned part of his body, officials said.
Mike’s wife called her in-laws at 1 a.m., terrified.
“As a father, to get this call … the worst emotions can come up, the worst,” said Michael Papagno. “Here’s my son, now I think he’s been dead for about an hour… You can’t be ready for something like that.”
The family rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston where he was taken by helicopter with life-threatening injuries.
Learning Mike was alive was a relief to his family, although his recovery would take a long time.
“More than thanks. “All I ever wanted when I heard this news was for him to get a chance to fight,” said the elder Papagno. “It is a very long process. And we’re just crawling out of the first gate, but we’re taking it one day at a time. Sometimes it’s an hour or two at a time.”
Mike has been in a coma from surgery and skin grafts since he arrived in Boston. His biggest burn is on his body due to minor injuries on his face.
Mike lives in Merrimack, NH, with his wife and eight month old daughter. His little family is eager to bring him home.
“He is an amazing father. He has such patience and skill,” said Mike’s father. “Every day we feel positive. He has three important things: his age – he is 33 years old, he has no hidden health conditions and he is strong.”
As Mike recovers, his fraternity brothers, friends and other members of the community have donated more than $!60,000 to GoFundMe to support his recovery and his young family.
“I’m speechless,” said his father. “The outpouring has been incredible.”
As the Papagnos talk to Mike at his bedside, they look forward to the day he will be able to answer them.
“Michael is probably the loudest in the house,” said Mike’s father. “Therefore, we have warned the nurses to enjoy this quiet time, because if he wakes up, he should not shut up. So, we’re looking forward to that.”
To donate to GoFundMe, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-aid-michael-papagnos-recovery-and-family.
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