Exactly one year after his fireworks accident, New York Giant Jason Pierre-Paul sent out an Instagram post of his hand. Its caption included a moving message from ASHT member Debbie Austin, who helped Pierre-Paul rehabilitate his hand in order to return to the NFL.
A year after fireworks accident, NFL star Jason Pierre-Paul reminds you to be safe on July 4
By April Siese — July 4, 2016
The Daily Dot
We've seen it in the days leading up to Independence Day and around any holiday that involves sparklers and fireworks: senseless accidents that have injured innocent bystanders as well as those who are celebrating.
No one knows this better than Jason Pierre-Paul, the NFL superstar who blew off portions of his hand in a fireworks-related accident last year while celebrating the Fourth of July. Pierre-Paul, who has not only recovered but is still an active defensive end for the New York Giants, appeared to have fate on his side following the accident. Others sadly haven't been so lucky.
The athlete has since become an advocate for fireworks safety, partnering with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to tell his story of a celebration gone wrong.
On Monday, exactly a year after the accident, Pierre-Paul sent out an Instagram post of his hand. Its caption included a moving message from hand therapist Debbie Austin, who helped Pierre-Paul rehabilitate his hand in order to return to the NFL.
Though the event was clearly life-altering for the athlete, Austin had nothing but kind words regarding his recovery.