Dylan Tallman was injured during February school vacation when an old firework exploded in his hands.
PALMER – A benefit will be held on June 4 at Wales Irish Pub for Dylan Tallman, the Converse Middle School seventh-grader who severely injured his hands and lost several fingers in a firework accident in February.
The idea for the benefit came from family friend Martha P. Berry, who is selling tickets to the benefit at her business, Firefly Hearth, Home & Patio at 1240 Park St. Tickets also are available in advance at Wales Irish Pub on Holland Road, or at the door that day. The tickets are orange wristbands that say "Dylan Tallman benefit." The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for students and free for children six and under.
Berry went to high school with Dylan's father, Gary, and has known him for more than 30 years. She hopes to raise $17,000 for the family,; she said they will receive all the proceeds. She said the bills can add up because of the frequent doctor visits, and noted that the family recently had to spend $100 to buy a special toothbrush so that Dylan could hold it.
The benefit will be held from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans and rolls will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the band, The Kings, and there will be a cotton candy machine for the children. Berry said Dylan plans to attend.
Dylan's aunt, Jacqui D. Mastriani said her nephew has returned to school, and is there half-days. She said he is on track to attend eighth grade next year at the high school. Before he returned to school, he was being tutored at home.
His hands are still bandaged, but she said he is able to write and use a computer, as his index finger and thumb are not bandaged. He has undergone several surgeries at Baystate Medical Center, and more are ahead of him.
"He's learning to adjust . . . He's doing really well," Mastriani said. "He is moving forward, and taking time to be with his friends."
She said her nephew played football, baseball and basketball, pursuits that are now on hold. She said he has been staying active by running.
"Nothing's going to stop him," Mastriani said.
The eighth-graders at the high school held a spaghetti supper fundraiser for Dylan in March, raising $2,200 for him. Dylan's brother Gary and cousin
Madison Mastriani are in eighth grade. Contributions also are being sent to North Brookfield Savings Bank on Thorndike Street in Dylan's name.
Dylan was home with a friend on Feb. 25, which was school vacation, when he lit a firework inside his kitchen and it exploded in his hands.
Police said he tried to put it out by submerging it in water in the kitchen sink, but because the fuse was waterproof, it exploded.
The firework, dating back 30 years, had been found a few days earlier during house cleaning.
Though it had been put away, to be disposed of later, the boys, who were there alone, found it. Dylan's 14-year-old friend had only minor injuries.