Community Corner
Gaithersburg Couple Injured By Volcano Recovering
The couple injured in a New Zealand volcano eruption is beginning to make some progress in recovery, and donations are pouring in.
GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg couple injured in a deadly volcano eruption in New Zealand are making good progress in their recovery, according to a GoFundMe page set up for them. The fund has almost reached its goal with the help of nearly 400 donors.
Ivy Kohn Reed and Rick Reed were on White Island, a volcanic island, off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island when the volcano erupted. Nineteen people were killed in the Dec. 9 eruption.
"Their tour group had already visited the crater, so they were walking away," Barry Kohn, brother of Ivy Kohn Reed, told WTOP. "Which is, in essence, what probably saved their lives — that they were a little further away."
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The Reeds "suffered severe burns" after getting caught in the volcanic eruption, the GoFundMe organizer said. The fund was set up to offset medical costs. So far, 395 people have donated.
Ivy has recently had another skin graft procedure around her head and neck, and Rick was up and alert, the GoFundMe page says, adding they seem to be in good spirits after Rick's brother went to visit.
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As of publishing time, the fundraiser has reached $33,608 of its $35,000 goal.
The couple is reportedly recovering at an after-care burn unit in Auckland, New Zealand. They are expected to stay there for several more weeks, according to family.
Here's the latest update on the GoFundMe:
Our brother Roy and his wife Debbie traveled to New Zealand yesterday. They reported that Ivy had another procedure done to graft skin around her head and neck. We all know she has reappeared online recently (yay!) and apparently it is her right hand that has the mobility. They also said Rick looked good. Both his legs and arms remain wrapped but no burns on his face. He was up and alert. Overall both seemed to be in good spirits.
Currently no timetable on their return to the U.S. Rick is supposed to undergo another procedure on Friday, and his recovery from that will likely determine the time frame.
Thank you all for your continued support, prayers, donations, and good vibes!
Related: Fundraiser For Gaithersburg Couple Caught In NZ Volcanic Eruption
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