Despite having to postpone his hospital discharge, Austin Beltrante, an eighth-grader in the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District who was electrocuted after stepping on a live wire, refuses to let the delay dampen his spirits. Caroline O’Halloran covered his ongoing optimism for SAVVY Main Line.

The 14-year-old’s release was delayed by a combination of delays. Infrastructure changes to his home and scheduling of nurses hit snags, and Austin was injured again when his wheelchair fell on him while kicking a soccer ball.

“He’s kind of bummed out — he was excited to see his friends and the dog — but he’s not depressed or mad,” said his stepmother Deanna Golden.

Since the accident, the teen has survived several surgeries, three amputations, and infections. Now, he can sit up and is learning to use a special walker and move from the bed to his wheelchair on his own.

During the entire ordeal, the community, teammates, friends, and even strangers rallied to provide support. They hosted fundraisers and arranged for celebrities to send personal videos to Austin.

The biggest fundraiser yet will be Saturday. Austin’s Army is organizing a ticketed music festival in Media with many performers, including comedian Joe Conklin.

Read more about Austin Beltrante at SAVVY Main Line.