Encouraging words for burn survivors
surviving cancer
Hello, Maria,
I met you about a week ago at St. Joseph's Hospital, when Dr. Abdulhadi asked that I meet you. You gave me the address of your website then, and now I have had the chance to take a look at it. I am very impressed with the work you do on it. I am sure you are a God-sent angel to many people. Keep up the good work.
Hope you are feeling well at home now.
Peace,
Kevin Flanagan (psychologist)
March 2007
Dear Maria,
"I have indeed looked at your web site.You are a gift and a blessing to all of us and to the universe.You have my love and gratitude. May God Bless you and all those lives you touch through your work."
Hugs,
Rev. Sarah Tomassetti
April 2006
Note from Maria: Sarah runs my Women's Breast Cancer Support group.
Encouraging words from burn survivors
"I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated and enjoyed your website. I wish I knew in 1988 the things I know now, and what is mentioned on your site. I caught on fire when a car we (my husband and I) were repairing. The carburator backfired, and since I had the cup of gas in my hand it followed the fumes. From what I understand most people die of inhalation, I was one of the lucky ones. When I talk about it with people I know they are amazed that they haven't had the same happen to them. But, I discovered that having a positive mind was the thing that helped the healing process the most.
"I was burned 75% with 40% full thickness. I was in the hospital six weeks, and did not have any infection. I was on a respirator for a few days because of slight inhalation, and it was touch and go whether my right arm was going to make it. I had 4 skin grafts while in the hospital, and a few corrective surgeries later. I went back to work, job skins with wig, and all after three and half months.
"I had two children at the time, a 5 and a 1 year old. Which I think my accident did have some effect on the youngest, since I could not see him the whole time I was in the hospital. He became a little insecure.
"But, it affected my husband the most. He still feels guilty and blames himself for my accident (he saw me looking like a ball of fire, and put me out with his hands). I just reassure him that I am OK, and still love him very deeply. I survived with all of my limbs intact and functional. We have been married almost 22 years now.
"Thank you for your time. Your website really touched my heart. You've done a wonderful job."
Theresa Mills
April 2004
"All of you are such an encouragement when I'm feeling tired of the stares and whispers. I'm happy to know I'm not alone ... just always count your blessings that we're alive to share our stories with one another. Thanks so much."
name withheld
March 2001
"What a beautiful site you have! I was in a house fire in which I lost my husband. He was trying to save our 3-1/2 yr old son. My son is 17 now and doing fine although he is legally blind from the smoke inhalation which caused some brain damage. My 3 daughters, now grown, were not harmed. I was the only one burned, over 65%. But miraculously not above the neck. They do not know how that happened. I have tried somewhat to find other sites where adults who have been burned would like to chat. Please keep up the good work!"
Catherine D.
August 2001
"Thank you for answering my email. I thought your website was wonderful. I wish I would have found it earlier. It is always helpful to be able to keep up with what's new. Being burned about 17 years ago makes me wonder if there is any new procedures now that would either improve my movement or looks. I was burned 23% involving my face, left shoulder/arm and back from my neck to my waist. My burns were both 2nd and 3rd degree. I was in the hospital 3-1/2 months. My son was burned on his hands resulting in a graft on his left hand from his hand knuckles to the finger knuckles. ... Anyway I can help is fine. I tried to help burn survivors when I first recovered but it was too soon and brought back too many painful memories. I guess I have finally got past some of that but I still have problems with excepting my looks (face mostly) although most of my body looks like a patchwork quilt from either grafts or skin donor sites. ... Please keep me posted on new developments. It felt good to be among my kind!"
Marilyn D.
August 2001
Surviving Burns Gracefully Can Be Beautiful!
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