Payne told the Dayton Daily News that when attacker Abdul Artan raised a butcher knife to stab him, Payne grabbed the blade with his left hand by instinct, cutting his tendons and nerves. The U.S. Army veteran underwent surgery and was told to expect two months of rehab.
The GoFundMe page says Payne is a full-time student, studying to become an engineer while he holds a job and supports his wife and three young children.
Five hours after the page was created, it had raised $725 of the $5,000 goal.
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