Fireworks victim upbeat despite severe injuries

Friends of a Tulsa man injured during a fireworks explosion last July are holding a concert benefit for him on Saturday night at Cain's Ballroom.

An accomplished jazz guitarist, Taron Pounds lived on the high notes of life.

"We were all lighting fireworks for my cousin's wedding," Pounds said. "What we believed happen is I might have grabbed the wrong fuse and it just went off and hit me right in the face."

The explosion left Pounds, who was 22 at the time, in a coma for more than 20 days and severely damaged the left side of his face.

In September, he underwent reconstructive surgery that lasted 22 hours.

Even though he has made great strides, Pounds has a ways to go, including more surgeries.

His family and friends are amazed by his upbeat spirit.

"The way that he approached this has really kind of determined the way we approached it. He's got such a positive attitude. It's very contagious," said his mother, Tammy Cauthron.

Pounds said the accident makes him appreciate life even more.

"Why give up? I made it through the accident, so apparently I'm here for a reason, so why not see what the reason is?" Pounds said.

The benefit is $15 and open to all ages.

Buy a Ticket (http://bit.ly/Poundsbenefit)

The proceeds will help pay for Pounds' medical bills.