Shark attack survivor Joe Hoffman will on Monday undergo further major surgery, which his family says may help them “understand more fully what lies ahead”.
As Joe receives a wave of support from hundreds of friends, relatives and fellow surfers, his family has revealed it is buoyed after being able to “communicate coherently” with him for the first time since the incident.
The 25-year-old, from the Sunshine Coast, was surfing at Crescent Head in New South Wales on Monday, July 15, when he encountered a 3m metre great white shark.
He sustained severe injuries to his right arm and was airlifted to Newcastle, where he has been undergoing multiple extensive surgeries to save his arm.
A Joe Hoffman Go Fund Me page has been set up and achieved more than $55,000 of its $70,000 target.
Over the weekend, his family, including father Bill – a prominent Sunshine Coast journalist – mother Wendy and sister Nina, provided an update via the Go Fund Me page, saying they had been overwhelmed by the love and support that had flowed to them.
They said this had come from both the Mudjimba and Byron Bay communities and across the globe since Joe’s terrible injuries.
“The surfing community has gathered around our family in what has been a difficult time, reaching out with best wishes and practical support.
“Thanks also to our extended family for the practical support that has been extended to us. Doctors, nurses and surgeons at John Hunter Hospital and Kempsey Police have also shown extraordinary kindness.”
The family post said Joe faced further major surgery Monday “which may help us understand more fully what lies ahead”.
“He was able to communicate coherently today for the first time which has lifted all our spirits.
“Over the past few days, we’ve been able to identify and reach out to many of the wonderful people whose actions on the beach after he first came ashore undoubtedly saved his life. We are forever grateful.
“We are immensely proud of the way Joe retained his signature cool in the hours on the beach after he was bitten as others fought to save his life.
“In very difficult circumstances he remained conscious, impressing everyone around him with the calm way he handled the pain and the reality of what had happened.”
His family said Joe had a lengthy and fraught time ahead as surgeons applied their skills to save his arm and to secure the best level of functionality achievable.
They said the support provided by those who had contributed to this Go Fund Me page would allow, when the time came, the opportunity for him to go through what would be a long and challenging rehabilitation without added stress.
The comments that accompany donations have shown how widely Joe was loved and respected.
They include:
“Joey, golden boy of smiles, you inspire us all in the water with your surfing and kind-hearted attitude. I miss your presence there already” – Elise Trigger
“Joe, here’s to your Mojo. Loads of healing love from the Ward Street Crew.”
“Joe is my little cousin and one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever encountered. Let’s do whatever we can to help him recover and get back in the water. The world and the surf community needs legends like Joe Hoffman in their midst” – William O’Brien
“Big hugs from Canada to our favourite, and only, surf coach” – JP and Teddy Mirsky
The kindness of strangers has also been evident with comments like below:
“I don’t know you, but if it happened to me, I would hope someone would do the same (offer their support)” – Jeremy Perez
“It’s the right thing to do for fellow surfers” – Anthony Latham
To help, visit Joe Hoffman Go Fund Me page
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