A man who was chopped in half by a forklift accident has made a desperate plea for Christmas Day.
Back in September 2019, Loren Schauers was involved in a horrific event while working as a labourer, and has since documented his recovery and life with a growing base of followers.
Just 18 years old at the time, the lad was driving a forklift across a bridge in the US when it veered off-course, sending him plummeting 50 feet to the ground.
He suffered life-changing injuries after the vehicle pinned him to the ground. Schauers ended up having hemicorporectomy surgery - everything below his waist amputated - to save his life after his pelvis was completely crushed.
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And in an update to his followers, he shared his hopes for this Christmas.
Writing with his wife Sabia, he posted on Facebook yesterday (17 November): “Just a little shout out to all of you for supporting and following us, 10K by Christmas would be super cool.
“We appreciate each and every one of you for helping us create this community!!”
They shared a screenshot of the ‘Page Overview’ for their joint account, showing they are currently sitting at 8,904 followers.
With several years having passed since the man’s freak accident, he still lives with pain and difficulties.
A recent update on the page on 15 November explained: “Loren is still not able to really go anywhere between the pain and not being able to use his bucket going to Mom and Dad's was not a good plan.
“Luckily mom and dad came out and cooked at our house. Dad especially liked it when he realised he could just leave without cleaning up or doing dishes wishing everybody a peaceful week and see you next Sunday, love you all!”
In a previous Youtube video, Schauers reflected on it being five years since the accident and explained the pain was becoming more manageable.
He explained the rehab techniques he'd been taught by doctors had helped 'erase the phantom pain' over the years.
He said: "Five years later, pain's under control, life is finally managed in a way that we can control it now.
"I don't know how to explain it, it's not as epic, things aren't like bombs dropping on us any more. We kind of know what to expect with certain things, and can kind of tell what's gonna happen.
"Me and Sabia are doing great. We don't get out much. We went to Lollapalooza in Chicago and had a great time obviously."
Jess Battison