(WPRI) — When Elisabeth Foley was attacked by a bull shark, she fought back, punching it in the face. "The shark grabbed me by my hand and pulled me under water," Foley told 12 News. "I immediately thought I was going to die." The attack happened when the former Mansfield resident was on vacation with her family in Florida last June. "I surfaced to the top of the water, and the first thing I did was stick my left hand out of the water," Foley recalled. "My hand was completely gone." BACKGROUND: Multiple shark attacks reported in Florida panhandle Foley's husband Ryan, a Foxboro native, saw what happened and pulled his wife out of the water. "I was immediately surrounded by women and men in swim trunks and bikinis, and they all started giving orders," Foley said. "They all were health care professionals on vacation that day." Thanks to the quick actions of those strangers, Foley made it out alive, but she lost her hand. Right now, Foley has a very simple prosthetic, but in order to do things like zip up a coat or return to her job as a barista, she'll need a myoelectric hand. It's a type of prosthetic that costs around $73,000 and is not covered by her insurance policy. While she could appeal, Foley said the process takes time. So, she decided to launch a GoFundMe page last month. Once again, it's strangers who are stepping up to help. "I cannot tell you the warm feeling that it gives me inside to see the goodness of people, people who want to help," Foley said. "It's truly amazing what people will do for others." As of 2:30 p.m. Friday, people had donated more than $68,000 to Foley. If you'd like to donate, you can click here. "They have given me my independence back by giving me these donations," Foley said. "I am forever grateful." Elisabeth Foley (Courtesy: Ryan Foley) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW