The Fairview teenager who was struck by fireworks on the Fourth of July and resulted in losing an eye, was given a new one last week, and is well on his way to making a full recovery.

Colby McGinnis, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver, was given a mold to cover his right eye – hand-painted for an exact match. McGinnis suffered burns on both eyes. Emergency surgery to determine the damage to both eyes showed that the right eye had ruptured and needed to be removed. Pictures were posted recently of the new eye on McGinnis’ sister Sharla Birch’s Facebook page.

On Wednesday, mother Billie Jo McGinnis said her son is recovering nicely. He’s in no pain. “He’s doing real well. It’s amazing how much he can do,” she said. The new eye covering fits better than expected, she added, and isn’t bothering Colby. The family was staying in Denver for a few days to make sure there were no problems with the new covering. They were expected to return Friday.

In addition to his recovery, Billie Jo said her son would see a dermatologist to fix the skin that was “tattooed” by the gun powder fire to his face. Other than that, though, Colby is “pretty much back to normal.”

“We just have to be real careful to protect the good eye,” she said, which means he’ll be wearing glasses.

As a recent Fairview High School graduate, Billie Jo said Colby will work at home and do whatever he can.

The family has kept a journal online, www.caringbridge.org/visit/colbymcginnis, to document Colby’s recovery. In one journal entry, Billie Jo informed readers of Colby’s condition and the family: “We try to be thankful each day knowing that we are one day closer to the final leg of this journey,” she wrote. “I know sometimes we forget to be thankful, but then I remember that night and know that God did in fact take care of him and us as I am not sure how we would of gotten through it.”

The public can also visit ww.colbyswarriors.blogspot.com to see his progress. As of Thursday afternoon, the Caring Bridge journal had more than 5,500 visits from friends and family.

For individuals wishing to make financial contributions, there are “Colby funds” set up at the Richland Federal Credit Unions in Sidney and Culbertson. In addition, a “slave auction” featuring Fairview’s boys basketball players was held after Fairview Festival’s entertainment at Sharbono Park. There was also a silent auction. Proceeds went to cover medical expenses.

Billie Jo said the family has received “tremendous support” since the Herald ran its first story in July. She said they have received numerous cards, calls and e-mails, as well as financial support. She wanted to thank everyone for their generosity. “They held us when we couldn’t walk,” she said.

reporter@sidneyherald.com