By Mary O’KEEFE

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a local 12-year-old boy who was involved in a serious accident.

Steven Azarian was with his family and friends in the desert this past weekend when a firework accident cost him his right hand.

“We have been going out to the desert twice a year for the last 10 years,” said Robert Wollenweber, a friend of the Azarian family and fellow veteran of Steven’s dad Darren.

This weekend trip, though, was just not going right from the beginning. The bi-annual camping trip had three accidents resulting in 9-11 being called. The last call was the most severe and involved Steven. A firework exploded in his right hand and the injury was so serious doctors had to amputate it.

Steven’s parents, Darren and April, are longtime community supporters. Darren is the commander of American Legion Post 288, a member of the Kiwanis and a member of the local Rotary Club.

The family was at Steven’s side as he underwent three surgeries.

Wollenweber said that Steven has a positive attitude that is shared by his family that is supporting him and letting him know they will get through this together.

Steven, Wollenweber said, attends Village Christian School. He is on a swim team and has a goal of making the Olympics. He is very active at his school and participates in the music department. Steven can often be found at local events like the American Legion bingo fundraiser, volunteering alongside his dad and two brothers.

Wollenweber set up the GoFundMe page to help the family with the growing expenses.

“Darren has donated countless hours through [different organizations],” he said. “He has given so much and has never asked anything in return, has never asked anyone for help.”

Wollenweber said he felt he had to do something to help the family and that is why he set up the GoFundMe page. The costs for the prosthetic hand Steven will need will grow as Steven grows; he will need to go into the hospital each time he needs a new hand.

Wollenweber is asking for the community to help, if they can, by donating to the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com and search for Steven Azarian/Stevens medical fund.

  Mary Okeefe