João Silva, 44, a South African photographer on contract with The New York Times, stepped on a mine while accompanying American soldiers patrolling an area near the town of Arghandab in southern Afghanistan on October 23rd, 2010. Despite immediate help from medics, both his legs were lost below the knees.

A fund and a Web site, Support Joao Silva Photojournalist, have been set up by Greg and Leonie Marinovich, friends of Mr. Silva, to help him and his family as he goes through rehabilitation. Money is being raised through outright donations and the sale of prints by Mr. Silva. “We have little doubt he will continue photographing but he will certainly not be able to go to war zones,” the Marinoviches said. “We estimate he will not be able to work for about two years.” Mr. Silva is at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The New York Times has told the Pentagon that it will be responsible for his treatment and care, and is assisting his family in other ways. Should the fund collect more money than is needed, the Marinoviches said, what is left will be donated to a charity chosen by Mr. Silva. The New York Times