HOUSTON – A local teenager continues to recover in a rehab center after he was attacked by a shark in Surfside Beach.
For the first time, 15-year old Garrett Sebesta is sharing his story about the attack and his recovery with Local 2.
On June 17, Sebesta was in a desperate underwater struggle for his life.
"Something just clamps down on my leg and starts thrashing me around," Sebesta said.
A five-foot black tip shark wanted Sebesta's leg but the Needville teen quickly decided he was just too attached to it.
He attacked the shark's eyes.
"I was trying to get in deep in his eyes almost like a cat scratch I guess," Sebesta said.
It worked, at least enough to get away and drag himself to shore and he was just as calm in the hospital.
"You could have lost your leg you could of died," said his mother, Marina. "He was looking at me like mom it's okay. Mom, it's okay. It's okay, I'm still here."
Now a month later, Sebesta continues rehab at Healthbridge Children's Hospital in West Houston.
It's a slow, sometimes painful process, but better than the alternative.
"I don't take anything for granted anymore because if I didn't fight off the shark I wouldn't be here," Sebesta said.
It's pretty clear Sebesta is a special kid who is now on the road to recovery. This family is saddled with massive medical bills.
They're having a fundraiser on Aug. 17. It's a livestock show at the Needville youth fair at 13631 SH 36 in Needville, Texas. Check in starts at 4 p.m.
In addition to the livestock show, there will be barbecue plates available, live and silent auctions and live music.
If you would like to help, you can sign up at the official Garrett Sebesta Benefit Facebook page.