Teen Burned In Explosion Recovering In Livingston

Emily Roth is doing better, but there’s still a long road ahead.

The family and friends of the young woman - who suffered debilitating, third-degree burns to 20 percent of her body during an explosion just before her high school graduation - shared an update about her health via YouCaring.com on July 8.

• See related article: Teen Misses Graduation After Suffering Third-Degree Burns During Explosion

Although she is still hospitalized at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Roth’s left hand is almost completely healed, except for a small spot along her back. She now has almost full mobility. Her fingers on her right hand are now also exposed, and she is working towards making a fist, although for the time being it is still very painful.

The upwards trend of her health is also continuing on her neck and face, and doctors hope they can remove all of the facial and neck bandages within the week.

“Although progress has been made, the doctors are still concerned for her thighs and legs, which are healing slowly,” the online update stated. “Fingers are crossed in the hopes that she will be able to continue healing and avoid surgery, although it is a process that will take time to tell.”

An online fundraising campaign to help with Roth’s recovery has raised $46,800 out of its $75,000 goal as of July 10.

See the online campaign and make a donation here.