Wellesley 6-Year-Old Hurt In Lawnmower Accident Undergoes 8th Surgery

WELLESLEY, MA — Nearly a month after a 6-year-old boy from Wellesley was injured in a lawnmower accident, he has undergone his eighth surgery and might be able to go home soon, according to an update on his GoFundMe page Wednesday.

Nearly $140,000 has been raised for Jaeger Dziama since the June 16 accident, which involved a neighbor's ride-on lawnmower and required the little boy to be med-flighted to the hospital where he has remained under intensive care.

According to the fundraiser's organizer, Samantha Hollister Johnson, Jaeger's surgery Monday focused on removing the infection around his injury site. Doctors also covered an exposed area with a skin graft to facilitate healing before an upcoming "big surgery" to add a bone graft to the outside of the knee, femur, cartilage and growth plate from a donor match, according to the GoFundMe.

"There’s a chance Jaeger can come home while we wait for the surgery," Johnson said. "Working on the logistics towards making that happen."

Jaeger's road ahead will also include "different types of therapy to hopefully regain function in his affected leg, not to mention the mental health support he and his family will surely need after going through such horrific trauma," according to Johnson.

Jaeger's parents, Justin and Laura Dziama, said that his pain is well controlled and he's resting between surgeries, Johnson said.

"Justin has been by his side night + day since he was admitted and Laura has made daily hospital visits to and from home with newborn baby sister Aurelia in tow," according to Johnson. "Older brother Jayce (who has been in the care of family and friends) has had the chance to Facetime his little brother frequently between operations which always helps uplift his spirits."

In a note to supporters of the campaign, which aims to help the family as they juggle hospital visits, childcare, medical costs, lost work time, and meals, the Dziamas said they are "so grateful for the amazing outpouring of support that we’ve received from family, friends and the absolutely wonderful communities who have embraced our family."

"We appreciate all of the thoughtfulness and feel the constant love you are sending our way," the couple added. "Jaeger continues to amaze us with his positivity and bravery throughout his extremely difficult and painful journey to healing and recovery."