A man who lost both of his legs minutes into his first day in his new job has revealed what the future holds for him.
John O’Neill, from Colorado, suffered from a freak accident on September 24 when he was pulled into a wood chipper.
The 33-year-old was approximately 15 minutes into his new job throwing tree branches into a machine in Longmont when a branch, which was allegedly shaped like a fish hook, got caught on his ankle monitor and dragged him inside.
Speaking to The Denver Post, he recalled the harrowing incident that permanently altered his life.
"Something happened in my brain to where I realized I was in fear for a lot more than just losing my leg or my foot," he said.
He explained that he did his best to hold onto the edge of the chipper as it ripped through his toes, ankles, and legs hoping one of his colleagues would hear his desperate cries for help over their protective gear.
"It took a minute before my coworkers realized what was happening,” O’Neill continued. "The pain was very — it was not there almost - I didn’t really feel the pain as much as I knew I was in trouble. It went from a fight for my limb to a fight for my life, very fast."
When he was finally pulled out of the machine, he had lost both of his legs up until his mid-thigh area and was rushed to hospital by the local authorities.
He was then flown to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood where he underwent a full-body blood transfusion.
Medical professionals did their best to save O’Neill's life and unfortunately had to amputate his legs just above the area where they had been destroyed by the machine.
With the support of his family, the 33-year-old managed to recover and embrace the challenges of his new life with enthusiasm.
A GoFundMe was set up in the wake of the accident in order to help O’Neill buy any accessories, new housing, rehabilitation, equipment to make his new life a bit easier.
"John grew up being very active in all sports, including some extreme ones!" the statement in the description read. "Our friend has always been pretty reckless and living life on the edge! All while doing so, being a warrior in life. A man with a skill set ready for anything in life, even this new journey ahead."
It continued: "John has very high spirits and is ready to get back to some rock climbing. I'm here today so we can all show our boy and his family love and support through these times. Many obstacles ahead, but we got this!"
So far the fundraiser has managed to secure just under $30,000.
As for the future, the avid sports fan revealed that he will use his newfound lease on life to help others.
“I feel like this has given me a bigger platform to help people in recovery from drugs and alcohol and help people in recovery from traumatic events,” he said. “That’s the kind of goals I’m setting for myself to be right back there and I’m not going to listen to anyone who tells me that’s impossible.
"I’m someone who can do things I’ve never done before," he added.
We wish John the best in his life moving forward!
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