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Community rallies for man in I.C.U. after Spencer shooting


  • GoFundMe

    SPENCER — A GoFundMe campaign for a man critically injured in a Spencer shooting this week has raised more than $41,000 toward its $50,000 goal as friends, family and community members rally around his recovery.

    Sean Scannell was shot 3 times Tuesday during an incident that also injured a Spencer police officer. According to the fundraiser, Scannell remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit and faces a long and uncertain road to recovery.

    The campaign says Scannell has already undergone multiple surgeries and will require additional procedures, including an upcoming operation to repair fractures to his upper and lower jaw. He is also expected to permanently lose vision in his left eye, with a prosthetic eye estimated to cost about $10,000 out of pocket.

    Family members say Scannell is showing gradual signs of improvement. He is able to hear his family and medical team and can respond to yes-or-no questions by moving his foot.

    The fundraiser outlines mounting costs that include emergency transport, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation and lost income while Scannell is unable to work. Funds raised will also help cover lodging and travel costs for immediate family members and household expenses during his recovery.

    The shooting comes amid an already difficult period for the Scannell family. The campaign notes that Scannell and his brother lost their mother, Joanne, to cancer 6 months ago, and that their father, Bob, is currently battling cancer.

    Organizers say Scannell was deeply involved in caring for his parents while remaining active in his community and friendships, including hosting Magic: The Gathering games, online gaming and spending time with his cat, Spud.

    In an update, organizers said they were “blown away” by the rapid outpouring of support and increased the fundraising goal from its original target to $50,000 as the scope of anticipated expenses became clearer.

    “There’s a long road ahead, with many unknowns,” the update said, adding that community support has given the family strength as Scannell continues his recovery.

    Donations and shares can be made through the fundraiser here: Support Sean Scannell’s recovery journey.

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