Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone's wounds were much more serious than previously reported, according to an online campaign seeking to raise money for his family.
"He was stabbed 4 times," according to a gofundme account established on Thursday. "Once in the heart, once in the left lung which collapsed the lung, the liver, and in the back. He had to have open heart surgery to save his life from the knife wound to his heart. Extensive medical surgery."
The "Spencer Stone Recovery Account" features a picture showing Stone with a long scar running the length of his chest. The online campaign is trying to raise $50,000 for Stone's family. Stone's medical bills are being paid by the military, according to the website.
"This money is going to assist and help the family such as his mother and sister in lost wages and cost associated with taking time off to be with and take care of Spencer at this critical time," the website says. "In addition it's helping to address some very specific personal security issues that the family as a whole is concerned with."
Stone was out with a group of friends on Oct. 8 when they got into a physical altercation. Sacramento police are looking for two Asian men dressed in white t-shirts and blue jeans, who left the scene in dark-colored Toyota Camry.
After a week in the hospital, Stone was released Thursday from the University of California Davis Medical Center.
"Thanks very much to the first responders and the team here at UC Davis Medical Center for taking such good care of me," Stone said in a hospital news release. "Thanks, also, to my amazing family and friends for their love and support. And, thanks to everyone who has sent encouragement during this challenging time. I'm focused now on healing and recovering and look forward to the next part of my journey."
Stone gained international acclaim when he and two friends – Army Spc. Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Saddler – helped thwart a gunman from killing passengers aboard a French train in August. The gunman stabbed Stone near his carotid artery and nearly cut off his thumb as Stone subdued him.
He was awarded the Purple Heart and Airman's Medal and received France and Belgium's highest honors.Stone will be promoted to senior airman on Oct. 31 and then advance to staff sergeant on Nov. 1 in recognition of his humility following all the media exposure.
