GoFundMe For Deer Park Boy Injured By Firework Raises $15K

DEER PARK, NY—Alper is a 13-year-old boy from Deer Park whose life changed instantly when he was struck in the face with a mortar-style firework on July 4. Neighbors and concerned strangers donated $7,000 in only four hours to a GoFundMe established to help support him and his family as he begins a long recovery process. The fundraiser has raised $15,000 in total as of Thursday.

The GoFundMe page describes Alper as "an amazing, fun-loving 14-year-old kid who loves soccer, hockey, and riding his bike and skateboarding with his friends."

Two weeks ago, he graduated from eighth grade at Candlewood Middle School. Now Alper is undergoing treatment for facial fractures and burns and the removal of thousands of splinters from his face in the ICU at Stony Brook Hospital.

The organizer of the fundraiser, Keren Von Schmidt, posted an update on the teenager's recovery on Thursday morning.

"His family is extremely touched by the outpouring of support they’ve received. Your donations, prayers, and willingness to share his story have provided solace during these extremely difficult times. While there’s still a long road ahead, the family received some great news yesterday. After a three and a half hour surgery to clear the debris from his face, the doctors are very positive."

Alper will undergo additional surgeries to fix fractures in his face, she added.

Consumer fireworks are illegal and lead to numerous injuries every July.