NORTH CAROLINA -- Paige Winter has a special request as she continues to recover after a shark incident left her seriously injured.

Winter and her family released a statement thanking everyone for their support and encouragement. She also issued a call to action:

World Oceans Day is June 8 and I’d like to ask everyone to get involved however they can to protect and preserve our oceans and all the life in it. I can’t wait to thank you guys and join you in saving the environment. #SharksAreStillGoodPeople

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Doctors say Winter is doing “extremely well” after undergoing extensive surgery on her hands that took 14 hours to complete. They say she has another surgery planned for next week.