Girls with Grafts

This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber welcome Phyllida Swift, CEO of Face Equality International, for a special episode celebrating Face Equality Week.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Ariadna Bernal about her journey after a gas explosion left her with burns over 90% of her body. Ariadna describes her early days, starting with treatment in Mexico and then continuing her care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in California. She also shares how important her mom was, always staying by her side through everything. ❤️Together, they explore the emotional and mental side of recovery, including the moment Ariadna first connected with another burn survivor and realized she wasn't alone. That connection became a turning point, inspiring her to give back through peer support. Ariadna explains how community, empathy, and shared experiences helped her heal in ways that medical care alone could not.Now a dedicated Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Ariadna is actively involved in the Spanish Phoenix SOAR program, helping expand access and connection for Spanish-speaking survivors and families. She is also studying Psychology, hoping to work in a clinical setting, ideally at Shriners, to support children and teens after burn injuries. Her story shows how connection can turn pain into purpose.

This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn survivor Kelsay Parrott about healing that goes beyond the physical and finding purpose in pain.

In this special National Volunteer Week episode of Girls with Grafts, we welcome Madeleine Carson, Director of Programs at Burns Recovered and our Volunteer of the Month. We talk about the power of community, connection, and supporting others.

In this special episode, Girls with Grafts joins forces with the H.E.A.L. Changed by Fire Podcast for an important conversation about connection, healing, and the resources that help burn survivors after they leave the hospital.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Chris Akin, a burn survivor, entrepreneur, and media personality. Together, they discuss resilience, determination, and how to make the most of each day.Chris tells the story of the industrial explosion that caused his burn injury and describes his early days recovering in the hospital and how his determination shaped his recovery.

This week on Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with Ashley Nelson for an honest conversation about identity, confidence, and dating after a burn injury.Ashley shares how she changed her mindset from seeing herself as a “burn victim” to a “burn survivor,” and how this new perspective changed how she views herself. She also talks about her dating experiences, including how she tells her story, the support she received, and the tough moments that helped her grow. ❤️Ashley also describes small acts of courage, like getting a pedicure at a nail salon while people stare, and reminding herself that her scars do not define her worth.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn surgeon and researcher Dr. Cliff Sheckter about how to give survivors better tools and information when they are thinking about reconstructive scar surgery.

This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Mikki Rothbauer, a psychotherapist who has spent over twenty years helping burn survivors and their families at Regions Hospital Burn Center.Mikki talks about what she has learned from years of supporting burn survivors, from the first days after injury to long-term healing.

In honor of National Burn Awareness Week, Rachel and Amber sit down with burn survivor Shaun Free to talk about survival, healing, and the powerful growth that can come after trauma. Shaun shares the story of the propane explosion that changed his life, his long road through recovery, and how he reframed PTSD into what he calls post-traumatic growth.

Season 8 of Girls with Grafts opens with a powerful and timely conversation following the recent Crans-Montana bar fire tragedy. In this special episode, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors CEO Amy Acton steps into the moderator's seat, guiding a discussion that centers both the human impact of fire and the need for prevention.Amy is joined by Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at National Fire Protection Association, along with Rob Feeney and Gina Russo, both survivors of The Station Nightclub Fire. Together, they reflect on the parallels between past and present tragedies, examine gaps in fire safety systems and accountability, and explore how complacency, policy decisions, and community action can mean the difference between life and loss.

In the Season 7 finale of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with physical therapist, burn survivor, and clinic owner Dr. Francisco Padilla for an inspiring full-circle conversation about healing, purpose, and the power of movement.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel are joined by 19-year-old burn survivor and aspiring author and speaker, Lovely Bruce. Lovely shares her burn story, her experience growing up as a survivor, and the moments that taught her resilience, faith, and the courage to embrace her scars.

In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with Dr. Kenny Tello, Corporate Director of Team Member Well-Being at Orlando Health, where he leads initiatives that empower people, elevate leaders, and build cultures rooted in care, connection, and transformation.Together, we dive into the healing world of pet therapy!

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel are joined by 20-year-old burn survivor and future Occupational Therapist, Ali Moll. Ali shares her story of becoming a burn survivor at just two and a half years old after falling into a campfire and how that moment shaped her journey, identity, and purpose.Together, we explore the powerful impact of her support system growing up, how her experiences influenced her self-confidence, and how she learned to embrace her scars as a source of strength rather than a limitation. ✨Now a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison studying to become an Occupational Therapist, Ali talks about her passion for helping others heal.

We're celebrating 100 episodes of Girls with Grafts—and we couldn't think of a better guest to mark this milestone than our friend and returning guest, Kechi Okwuchi!

In this powerful episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Brooke DelGaudio, a nurse practitioner, mom, and childhood burn survivor who's turned her pain into purpose.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Emily Hespeler, a burn survivor, storyteller, and certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). Emily shares how recreation therapy empowers survivors to heal, grow, and reclaim independence after trauma, and how sharing your story can open doors to connection and community.

It's Fire Prevention Week! This year's campaign, Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home, raises awareness about safe use, storage, and disposal of the batteries powering our everyday devices.

In this heartfelt episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel is joined by author and advocate Jenny Brandemuehl and Phoenix Society's Senior Director of Programs and Services, Jill Sproul. Jenny shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience after the tragic plane crash and burn injury that claimed her husband Mark's life.

In this bonus episode of Girls with Grafts, we welcome John O'Leary — internationally acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, former Phoenix Society board member, and now the inspiration behind the powerful new feature film Soul on Fire.

In this episode of Girls With Grafts, we sit down with Terry Boyd, a 37-year burn survivor whose story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

At just four years old, Cathy Marie Morton survived third-degree burns over 80% of her body, enduring 19 graft operations. Her story didn't end there—she later survived 20 years of domestic violence. Despite unimaginable trauma, Cathy chose to transform her pain into purpose. Today, she is a Reiki Master, life force harmonizer, and emotional alchemy specialist, helping others reclaim their strength and healing. ✨In this episode, Cathy opens up about pivotal turning points in her recovery and learning to feel safe in your body after trauma.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with bereavement counselor Donna McCartney, LISW, MHA. Donna shares her extensive experience supporting families and survivors as they navigate grief, loss, and life after trauma.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Mike Lopez, burn survivor, amputee, and grappler who's turned his lived experience into a mission.

In this season premiere of Girls with Grafts, we're sitting down with Maggie Gould—a powerhouse in burn recovery support and clinical social work.

In the heartfelt season six finale of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Carolyn Mae Kim - an accredited public relations professional, author, speaker, and, most importantly, the proud mother of a young burn survivor.

Kelly Woodhouse is no stranger to resilience. Burned on 75% of her body at just two years old, she has transformed a childhood marked by trauma and bullying into a life of purpose, strength, and inspiration.

In this powerful episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and burn survivor Jim Wall joins host Rachel to share his story of survival, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we're joined by Phoenix Society CEO, Amy Acton, to explore the stories behind the data in the 2024 State of the Survivor Report!

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Charlene Pell, a burn survivor and the founder of Facing Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for individuals with visible differences. ✨ Charlene shares her journey, from surviving a burn injury to advocating for face equality.Rachel and Charlene also dive into Face Equality Week, this year's theme, “My Face is a Masterpiece,” and why shifting the perception of beauty and identity is so important.

Trigger warning: In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we have an important and heartfelt discussion about domestic violence, including personal experiences and the journey to healing. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by visiting www.thehotline.org, calling 800-799-7233, or texting BEGIN to 88788. In this deeply moving episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Davina Licon, a survivor of an acid attack. With vulnerability and courage, Davina shares the story of her attack and the emotional and physical aftermath that has followed.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we're joined by Jeanette Johnson - burn survivor, Phoenix Society volunteer, and a voice of hope and healing.

In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Brian O'Connor, a Senior Engineer in the Technical Services department at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to discuss lithium-ion batteries.

In this special episode of Girls with Grafts, hosts Amber Wilcox and Rachel Kudlak sit down for a light-hearted conversation!

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with Lee Hoff and Morgan Moore, the dynamic duo behind Morgan & Moore Non-Surgical Hair Replacement and Inclusive Crowns, to discuss their mission to provide hope, healing, and holistic support through cranial prostheses and hair loss solutions.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with Dr. Victoria Miles to explore the fascinating and complex world of hypermetabolism—the body's heightened metabolic response after a burn injury.

In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with burn survivor, massage therapist, and instructor Jen Hartley to explore the transformative power of touch in scar healing. Jen opens up about her personal burn injury and how it led her to a career in massage therapy.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Dr. Shaun Mendenhall, a board-certified hand and plastic surgeon specializing in pediatric burn care and reconstructive surgery.

In this powerful episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with Crystal Raye, a self-inflicted burn survivor, to explore her incredible journey of healing and growth.

Welcome to the season six premiere of the Girls with Grafts podcast! This episode features an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with the incredible Danette Haag.

In our last episode of Season 6 of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Cat Eustace, a dedicated burn care professional and current Outpatient Burn Clinic Supervisor. We start our conversation by learning how Cat got involved in burn care and how her love for our community has developed over the years.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we're honored to sit down with Dr. Tam Pham, the Program Director at the University of Washington Medicine Regional Burn Center. Dr. Pham opens up about his personal journey when he sustained a burn as a young child. Rachel and Dr. Pham discuss the topic of imposter syndrome among some burn survivors and caregivers, highlighting that while we may not all have physical scars, we do all carry emotional ones.Dr. Pham also shares the critical role of aftercare and support services in helping survivors reclaim their lives and thrive beyond their injuries. He also reflects on his connection with Grace Athena Flott, a local artist, fellow survivor, and former patient, whose powerful artwork he proudly displays in their burn clinic. This episode is a moving tribute to the resilience of the burn community, the power of support, and the art of turning pain into purpose. Don't miss this inspiring and heartfelt conversation!  ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest Dr. Tam Pham is a highly accomplished surgeon specializing in burn and trauma care, with extensive academic and clinical experience. Currently, he is a professor and director of the University of Washington Medicine Regional Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center. A graduate of the University of California, Dr. Pham pursued rigorous postgraduate training, including a General Surgery residency, and fellowships in burn care and surgical critical care at the University of Washington. His academic contributions are significant, with numerous published research papers, including studies on critical care and telemedicine applications in burn care.Dr. Pham has also been honored with numerous awards and is dedicated to advancing burn care. He has volunteered internationally as well as holds board certifications and is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Burn Association. Links Watch Dr. Rob Cartotto's Girls with Grafts podcast episode on YouTube. Watch Grace Athena Flott's Girls with Grafts podcast episode on YouTube.Learn more about Grace's recent selection to create Governor Jay Inslee's official portrait.Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery).Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by the National Fire Sprinkler Association! NFSA aims to protect lives and property through the advancement of fire sprinklers. Learn more about fire sprinklers, fire advocacy, and how to get involved by visiting nfsa.org.  Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

In today's episode of Girls with Graft, we're honored to feature Alexi Pyles—a burn survivor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Alexi's journey began halfway around the world when she was just six months old, and her experiences have fueled a lifelong passion for helping others.Join us as we dive into Alexi's career as a therapist, her invaluable advice for fellow survivors considering therapy, and her reflections on what it truly means to be "healed." We also explore her love for stunts and gymnastics, her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and how creativity plays a vital role in the healing process.  ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest Alexi Pyles is a child burn survivor. She was burned at six months old with second and third degree scald burns on her neck and chest. Alexi was abandoned by her parents shortly after the incident. She stayed in an orphanage until the age of two when she was adopted by a single parent mother who brought her back to the states. Alexi doesn't have any memories of her burns, other than what was told. She received extensive burn care from the ages of three to her teens. Due to the lack of immediate care, Alexi did not have the typical burn treatment like skin grafts, expanders, or spending time in a hyperbaric chamber. She had steroidal injections, pressure garments, stitching, and lasers. Today, Alexi is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) with a speciality in DBT therapy modality and trauma informed care. She has worked in many mental health settings including residential, IOP/PHP, hospital, and low acuity outpatient. She currently works for Kaiser Permanente as a psychiatric social worker focusing on their high acuity cases by connecting them to higher levels of care. During her free time, Alexi likes to do stunts and acting, gymnastics, going on hikes especially the beaches and anything creative.  Links Learn more about DBT therapy.Sign up for Phoenix Society's virtual support group.Explore all of Phoenix Society's support offerings.Read “Painting Through the Darkness,” Painting Through the Darkness.Read “Controlling the Internal Flames,” written by Alexi Pyles.Read “Tackling Self-Sabotage,” written by Alexi Pyles.Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by the National Fire Protection Association! NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org.  Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, host Rachel sits down with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, to delve into the inspiring new partnership between Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Raj begins by sharing his professional journey in the fire engineering industry and what drew him to this critical field. He also recounts his impactful first connection with the Phoenix Society, including a transformative experience at the Phoenix World Burn Congress, and how everything fell into place to bring about this meaningful collaboration.Together, Rachel and Raj explore the shared mission of both organizations: to support burn survivors and promote a safer, more resilient world. They discuss the tangible ways this partnership aims to advance fire prevention and safety standards, as well as the powerful role community plays in recovery and empowerment.Tune in to hear how Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society are coming together to make a lasting difference for burn survivors and set a new standard for fire safety!  ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest As CEO of Jensen Hughes, a global market leader, Raj Arora guides the company's rapid expansion while ensuring a steadfast commitment to technical excellence and exceptional client service. Through his leadership, he has transformed the company culture, helping to accelerate growth and inspire its 1,700+ engineers, consultants, data scientists and functional experts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that make our world safe, secure and resilient. Throughout his two decades in the fire, security and risk engineering industry, Raj has built a reputation as a skilled engineer and a strategic business leader with a passion for fostering a positive organizational culture. Earlier in his career, Raj held leadership positions as Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls' $1 billion Fire Detection and Special Hazard Product division, headquartered in Switzerland. As an equity partner at Arora Engineers, he helped catapult the firm from a small operation to an industry leader in MEP Engineering within the aviation and rail industries.Raj is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. Over the course of his career, he's received multiple awards, including Consulting-Specifying Engineer's Top 40 Under 40 honor and Early Career and Distinguished Alumni awards from his alma mater. Moreover, he was recognized at Tyco with prestigious performance awards for accountability, teamwork and technical acumen. He currently serves as a board director for the National Fire Protection Association.Links Visit Jensen Hughes website.Follow Jensen Hughes on LinkedIn.Sign up for Phoenix Society's newsletter. Watch the “Healing Power of Comedy.”Watch Danny Gropper's Girls with Grafts episode on YouTube.Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering since 1939. Their diverse team of more than 1,700 engineers, scientists, and consultants tackles complex risk, safety, and security challenges, helping clients protect lives, property, and reputations. Together, they blend expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge research to make the world safe, secure, and resilient. Learn more by visiting www.jensenhughes.com. Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel and Amber sit down with Kimaree Lewis, the resilient mother of a burn survivor, to hear her powerful story of navigating trauma, healing, and hope. Kimaree opens up about the day her family's life changed forever, her son and family's emotional and physical challenges, and how her family's faith got them through the toughest times. Join us as Kimaree shares insights on caring for her family and also herself, how giving back as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter has impacted both her and her son, and her advice for other caregivers. Tune in to hear how one mother's journey can offer hope to anyone facing life's most challenging moments.Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest Kimaree Lewis is the mother of five children and the wife to an awesome husband. She is a Human Resources Manager and in 2024, she received the Human Resources Professional of the year. Kimaree lives by the motto: “Lead others to look up to the person they see in the mirror.” She wants to help others create a reflection that they are proud of and a shadow they don't mind lurking behind them. Helping people is her passion and she feels full and accomplished when she knows she's helped better another's situation or circumstance.   Links Watch our latest podcast episode with physical therapist, Ingrid Parry, where we talk about the importance of movement in burn recovery.Read “Me, Enough? A Sibling's Story of Becoming Free of Guilt and Shame,” where Katherine Hill shares her journey of letting go of the shame and guilt she felt after living through a house fire that injured her twin sister.Read “Self-Care for Caregivers.”Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) and how to become a trained Peer Supporter. Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by the Pritzker Hageman Law Firm! The Pritzker Hageman burn injury legal team helps burn survivors and their loved ones pursue compensation and justice throughout the United States. Learn more at: LegalJourney.guide.  Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

It's World Burns Week, and today's podcast episode features a special takeover by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors' CEO, Amy Acton! Amy, who has been actively representing the organization on the World Burns Week steering committee, welcomes two incredible guests from Nigeria: Dr. Onuh and Patience. Dr. Onuh is a passionate and skilled surgeon dedicated to advancing burn care, while Patience is a courageous burn survivor eager to share her story.World Burns Week envisions a future where burns are prevented and everyone—no matter their location, income, gender, age, or ability—has access to timely and effective care. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Onuh and Patience discuss the realities of burn care in Nigeria and survivors' unique challenges in achieving equitable treatment. As a special surprise, Patience's role model, Kechi, joins the conversation, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable moment.Listen in today to learn more about World Burns Week and discover ways to get involved in the global movement to reduce inequality in burn care and support survivors worldwide!  Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guests Dr. Onuh is a dedicated burn, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon from Nigeria with a passion for burn care. She advocates for multidisciplinary burn care and is actively involved in managing burn patients. Dr. Onuh is also committed to research, education, and prevention to reduce the burden of burns in her country. Through her work, she aims to improve outcomes for burn patients, burn survivors and advance the field of burn care. Patience is also from Nigeria and sustained a burn injury not that long ago.Links Learn more about World Burns Week.Watch our latest Girls with Grafts episode featuring Kechi!Sign up for Phoenix Society's newsletter. Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber, and Rachel are joined by the incredible Ingrid Parry, a passionate physical therapist and rehabilitation researcher with years of experience supporting burn survivors on their recovery journey. Ingrid's unique perspective, gained from her extensive research and leadership roles, adds a valuable dimension to our discussion. Together, we explore physical therapy's vital role in burn recovery, the importance of exercise and movement, and the benefits of yoga. Ingrid also shares insights from her numerous research projects, her work with Cutaneous Functional Units (CFUs), and her time as president of the American Burn Association (ABA). Tune in for practical insights, inspiration, and tips on integrating movement into your burn recovery!   ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest Ingrid Parry MS, PT, BT-C, PhD candidate, is a Physical Therapist and a Rehabilitation Researcher at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Northern California, and the University of California, Davis. She has worked in burn care for 29 years. Her study interests are diverse within burn rehabilitation and include facial scar management, cutaneous functional units, burn scar contracture, pediatric burn rehabilitation, and early exercise with burn survivors. In 2022-23, she was named president of the American Burn Association as the first non-surgeon to lead the organization.  She has published over 53 peer-reviewed publications and volunteers extensively with various domestic and international burn organizations. She is presently working on her Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis, School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership with a focus on using cutaneous functional units to predict contracture risk.  In her free time, Ingrid enjoys yoga, dancing, paddleboarding and loves to travel with her husband and three sons.   Links Read “The Miracle of Yoga for Burn Survivors”Learn more and Ingrid Parry and her role with ABA Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a group of VW bus lovers, based in West Michigan. They camp, host events, and raise funds for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Learn more about them and save the dates for their 2025 events by visiting https://busesbythebeach.org/.  Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

In this special Girls with Graft episode, we're spotlighting Fire Prevention Week with Phoenix Partner Summit Fire & Security! Rachel sits down with Steve Rice, a seasoned expert with years of experience as the Operations Manager of the Installation Department at Summit Fire & Security, to discuss all things commercial fire safety. Steve shares practical information on how Summit Fire & Security works with commercial spaces to design, install, and maintain fire systems. He provides valuable insights on prevention systems, the importance of routine safety checks, and what you need to know to stay safe in commercial spaces. Whether at work, staying at a hotel, or going out to eat, this episode equips you with critical information to help you be prepared and protect what matters most.Fire Prevention Week 2024This year's FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Learn more about FPW and how to keep you and your family safe by visiting: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week   

In today's episode, Rachel and Amber sit down with burn survivor Jason Nelson and experienced burn injury attorney Matt Cunningham to explore the complexities of navigating a burn injury legal case.Jason shares his inspiring story of resilience and recovery, showcasing firsthand how you can turn a tragedy into triumph. Matt provides expert legal insight, breaking down the anatomy of a burn injury lawsuit—from the importance of contacting an attorney quickly and assessing damages to the critical steps in building a strong case. Together, they shed light on the challenges survivors and families face and how the legal system can offer a lifetime of support. Tune in to learn about the intersection of personal experience and legal expertise in burn injury cases and how justice can help rebuild lives.Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  Meet Our Guests Matt Cunningham is a trial attorney who has been handling burn injury cases for over 25 years.  He is recognized as one of the top burn injury lawyers in the United States.  He is the owner and President of the Cunningham Law Firm which is recognized as America's top burn injury law firm.  Since 1996, Matt and the Cunningham Law Firm have represented over 124 clients involving burn related injuries.  Matt is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, American Burn Association, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, and previously a guest speaker at the North American Burn Society.  During his career he has obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlements involving burn related injuries.  In 2008 he obtained the highest burn injury verdict in Arizona state history.  Matt and the Cunningham Law Firm are recognized as true advocates on behalf of burn survivors, their families, and generously supports the work of burn foundations across the United States.  Matt is recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, Best Lawyers of America, Elite Lawyers of America, Arizona's Finest Lawyers, and Southwest Super Lawyers.Dr. Kevin Foster, Director of the Arizona Burn Center, stated about Matt, “Matt Cunningham has earned the respect of the burn community through his hard work, compassion, and deep understanding of the true impact of burn injuries.”  Matt is honored to be a part of the burn community and a champion of justice for burn survivors and their families.  Jason Nelson, a Phoenix, Arizona native, experienced a life-altering event on February 9, 2014. A natural gas explosion in a rental home he owned left him with a staggering 80% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burn. The trauma was immense, but Jason's resilience shone through.After enduring countless surgeries, enduring grueling therapy sessions, and navigating the long road to recovery, Jason found a purpose beyond his own healing. Driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to the organizations and individuals who supported him through his ordeal, he dedicated his life to advocating for burn survivors.Jason's involvement with the Arizona Burn Foundation is a testament to his commitment. As a member of the Board of Directors, he actively contributes to shaping the foundation's mission and strategies. His personal experience provides invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by burn survivors, enabling him to advocate for programs and initiatives that address their needs effectively.Moreover, Jason's fundraising efforts have been instrumental in generating over a million dollars to support burn survivors' journeys. His passion and dedication have inspired others to contribute to this worthy cause, ensuring that burn victims receive the necessary resources to thrive.Jason Nelson's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. His unwavering commitment to helping others recover from the devastating impact of burns serves as an inspiration to countless individuals. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to make a significant difference in the lives of burn survivors, transforming their experiences from tragedy to triumph. Links Connect with the Cunningham Law Firm team by calling 602-257-1750 or visiting their website: http://cunninghamlawfirm.com.Watch the Courage Rising Film.  Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by Cunningham Law Firm! Located in Phoenix, Arizona and helping clients nationwide, the Cunningham Law Firm specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and burn related cases. Learn more by visiting https://cunninghamlawfirm.com. Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

Medley Zeigler Bokun and her husband, Kevin, were just three weeks into their marriage when tragedy struck, and they were both involved in a home gas explosion. The two newlyweds found themselves spending what typically is considered the "honeymoon phase" in the ICU. In today's podcast episode, Medley joins Rachel and Amber to talk about her burn injury, the struggles she faced after going home from the hospital, and how she and Kevin navigated their journeys with their unwavering family and friends by their side. ❤️ We also chat about motherhood and fears Medley had before having her son Levi, the common struggle of overheating, and the fantastic drink Body Armor. Tune in today to see how Medley truly embodies the word resilient! ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!   Meet Our Guest Medley Zeigler Bokun, BSN, RN graduated from nursing school at Southeastern Louisiana University at the end of 2017 and immediately began her career at a Women's Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA working as a med-surg and oncology nurse. In June of 2019 she married her wonderful husband, who at the time was a third year medical student. Just three short weeks after their wedding, they were in a gas explosion in their home. It was nearly fatal for both of them, but Medley especially sustained second, but mostly third degree burns across 96% of her body. Her chance of survival was not high, but God had other plans. Now Medley and her husband, Kevin, feel that God has called them from a place of medical ministry to a ministry that's focused on spiritual and emotional healing. Medley and her husband now travel and speak at conferences, churches and social gatherings sharing their story of survival. And most recently in February of 2024, they welcomed their first baby into the world, a sweet baby boy named Levi.  Links Follow Medley Zeigler Bokun on Instagram Read “Working Through Guilt after a Burn Injury”Get Amber's “Scars are Tattoos” shirtPodcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by Exsurco Medical! Exsurco engineers high precision products for both the healthcare and tissue bank professionals and are dedicated to advancing the healing power of skin to patients who need it the most. Learn more at www.Exsurco.com.  Sponsor Girls with Grafts  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.