A GoFundMe page set up for a NSW North Coast shark bite survivor, Joe Hoffman, has nearly reached $70,000 with the help of a Hollywood superstar.
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Joe, of Crescent Head, has been overwhelmed by the community's support as he continues on his long road to recovery.
"It really humbled me, and I guess you know that any of your mates would do it for you, but I didn't realise how many people were thinking of me. It definitely pulled a lot of communities together," Joe said.
He wanted to especially thank both the Byron Bay and Sunshine Coast communities, as well as the Mudjimba board riders and longboard club for rallying behind him.
Also prior to the incident in July, Joe had been working on the set of the new Netflix series called God's Favourite Idiot, starring Melissa McCarthy.
The Oscar-nominated actress and her husband were kind enough to donate $2000 towards his recovery fund.
The fund was started by Daniel Jamieson and Louisa Anderson to help with Joe's medical expenses and rehabilitation.
Joe was struck by a great white shark while surfing at Creascent Head earlier this year.
The bite snapped both bones in his forearm, lacerated the radial nerve and severed several tendons.
But looking back, what occurred when he was hauled to the shore might make Joe the luckiest man alive.
As he walked out of the water clutching his arm, the first man who helped him had only recently completed a first aid course; a trauma surgeon from John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle had also been surfing; there was a paramedic going for an afternoon stroll; and an anesthetist was also nearby.
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These trained professionals and countless amazing locals immediately rushed to his aid.
"We have been overwhelmed by the love and support that has flowed to us from both the Mudjimba and Byron Bay communities and across the globe since Joe's terrible injuries," Louisa said.
"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."
Joe undergoes physiotherapy sessions everyday working on regaining full control of his right hand.
The link to the GoFundMe page is www.gofundme.com/f/joe-hoffmans-shark-encounter-recovery