Girls with Grafts

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. 💙 Brooke opens up about growing up as a burn survivor, the invisible scars of childhood trauma, and the ways those experiences continue to shape her adult life. Together, they dive into what it means to live with “hidden burns,” navigate imposter syndrome, and bring empathy into healthcare from a survivor’s perspective. 🩺 Brooke also shares how becoming a mom has invited new layers of healing—and how she’s breaking cycles through self-awareness, compassion, and intentional parenting. Plus, Brooke and Amber swap stories about the house rules and kitchen safety lessons they now practice with their own families: Reminders that healing isn’t just about recovery, it’s about rewriting the future.✨ #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #ChildhoodTrauma #BurnCare ⭐️ 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 Brooke DelGaudio is a 40-year-old nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in wound care. Her passion for this work is deeply rooted in her personal experience as a burn survivor. At 18 months old, she sustained 3rd- and 4th-degree burns over 35% of her body after climbing into a sink with a faulty water temperature gauge. By the age of 10, she had undergone 25 surgeries. These early experiences—and the resilience they required—continue to shape her both personally and professionally. Growing up, Brooke attended Cheley Burn Camp, where she learned to embrace her scars and began building confidence in herself. While there are still moments of struggle—like when friends invite her for pedicures, reminding her she doesn’t have toenails, or when sore feet make her wish for “normal skin”—she has come to accept that her scars are an integral part of her story. Outside of her professional work, Brooke volunteers with Phoenix SOAR,offering the guidance, empathy, and realistic perspective she once needed herself is particularly meaningful to her. In her free time, Brooke enjoys baking, snowboarding, and spending time with her husband and their three-year-old. She believes in the lifelong journey of healing and embodies the message of her tattoo: “strength is beautiful.” Links 👉 Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar 👉 Read “Hidden Burns Matter:” https://phoenix-society.org/resources/hidden-burns-matter 👉 Read “Learning to Live with Hidden Burns:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/learning-to-live-with-hidden-burns 👉 Read “Burnout in Burn Care: A Call to Care for Ourselves and Each Other:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burnout-in-burn-care-a-call-to-care-for-ourselves-and-each-other 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. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 🧘‍♂️ Together, Emily and Rachel explore what it means to feel confident in your own skin, the power of affirmations (like Emily’s go-to: “I’m a baddie”), and the importance of showing up authentically in every space. 💛 Emily also gives us a glimpse into their community meet-ups in New York City, where creativity, connection, and resilience thrive. #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 Emily Hespeler is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), burn survivor, speaker, and storyteller based in New York City. Drawing from their personal journey of recovery and resilience after their burn injury, Emily combines professional expertise in recreation therapy with powerful storytelling to inspire others to embrace their inner strength. In their everyday life, Emily finds joy in simple routines: daily walks, spontaneous conversations with strangers, and their weekly jar of peanut butter. Links 👉 Visit Emily’s website: https://www.emilyhespeler.com/ 👉 Watch Emily’s 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMhLYgMGsA 👉 Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary 👉 Join Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group 👉 Submit your story to our Virtual Open Mic: https://www.phoenix-society.org/open-mic-submission Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the Donor Alliance Foundation & the Brookby Foundation! Both of these foundations play a critical role in supporting Phoenix Society and our programs. Their partnerships help us continue to create spaces for healing, connection, and advocacy—and we couldn’t do it without them! Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 💛 Together, they explore the moments that reshaped Jenny's path, her upcoming memoir Forever Fly Free, and how she continues to find healing and purpose. Jill offers insight from her decades in burn care, sharing guidance for both survivors and the professionals who support them. This episode is a moving reminder of the strength found in community, the courage to tell your story, and the power of hope in the face of life's most difficult chapters. 📚 Get Jenny's book, Forever Fly Free, at: foreverflyfree.com/category/all-products. Use code "PSBS" for 10% off orders placed before October 14, 2025, with the link above. #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Author #ForeverFlyFree ⭐️ 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 Jenny Brandemuehl is the author of Forever Fly Free: One Woman’s Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love, coming October 2025 from Regalo Press. She’s an advocate for families who have lost a loved one to traumatic accidents and speaks widely on personal resilience, grief, and healing. She’ll be a featured speaker at the 2025 Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC) hosted by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Jenny describes herself as an “ordinary person who had an extraordinary experience.” After the sudden death of her husband Mark following a small engine plane crash and severe burn injuries, she found herself transformed by the compassion of the burn care team and the unexpected power of hope. Her journey through loss and healing has led her into a new chapter as a writer and speaker, with a mission to inspire others to access their own inner strength and wisdom. Before becoming an author, Jenny spent decades as a corporate leader, most recently as Chief People Officer at Chegg, Inc., where her team helped earn the company a spot on Fortune’s Top 100 Best Places to Work. She’s held leadership roles at JDS Uniphase, Gap Inc., and Hewlett Packard, and served on the Wellesley College Business Leadership Board and the board of Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment (WISE), which empowers low-income women to become entrepreneurs. Jenny is an avid skier, hiker, and tree-hugger. She lives with her partner Robert, who keeps her laughing daily, and adores her two sons, who share her love of travel, food, and music. Links 👉 Get Jenny’s book, Forever Fly Free, at: https://www.foreverflyfree.com/category/all-products **Use code “PSBS” for 10% off for orders placed before October 14, 2025, with the link above** 👉 Order Jenny’s book from Amazon: https://a.co/d/iW9Db3C 👉 Order Jenny’s book from Target: https://www.target.com/p/forever-fly-free-by-jenny-brandemuehl-hardcover/-/A-1003087061#lnk=sametab 👉 Order Jenny’s book from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-fly-free-jenny-brandemuehl/1147370213?ean=9798895650301 👉 Follow Jenny’s Substack: https://jennybrandemuehl.substack.com 👉 Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the Bert Martin Foundation! The Bert Martin Foundation was established to assist those who help others and provide financial support for nonprofit organizations. We’re honored to have the Bert Martin Foundation as a long-standing Phoenix Society Partner. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 🎬 John shares his journey from survivor to storyteller, what it was like to see his life translated to the big screen, and the deeper message of Soul on Fire. As part of this launch, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is partnering with John, World Wide Technology, PolyNovo, and Sony to host free private screenings of Soul on Fire across the country. 🎉 Learn more and find a screening near you: https://www.phoenix-society.org/soul-on-fire John's story reminds us that true heroes are found in everyday moments of connection and that community has the power to carry us through. 🫶 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #SoulOnFire #LiveInspired ⭐️ 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 Once expected to die after a devastating burn injury, John O’Leary now empowers audiences around the world to truly live. An internationally acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, renowned podcast host, and former Phoenix Society board member, John has inspired hundreds of thousands of people with his powerful storytelling, heartfelt insights, and unexpected humor. His journey of resilience and hope continues to reach new audiences with the upcoming release of Soul on Fire, a feature film based on his extraordinary life and message. Links 👉 Add your name to our private screening interest list: https://www.phoenix-society.org/soul-on-fire 👉 Learn more about Soul on Fire: https://soulonfiremovie.com/ 👉 Find Soul on Fire in a theater near you: https://soulonfiremovie.com/tickets/ 👉 Learn more about John O’Leary: https://johnolearyinspires.com/ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by PolyNovo! PolyNovo is a leader in advanced wound care solutions that support healing for burn survivors and patients with complex wounds. With a commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life, PolyNovo’s groundbreaking technology is transforming the future of reconstructive and burn care around the world. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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 20 years old, Terry sustained burns over 93% of his body, resulting in the amputation of both legs. His journey has taken him from survival to fatherhood, from working in mental health and addiction recovery to founding his own recruiting company, and now to becoming an author. Terry’s upcoming children’s book, Still Me, inspires families and communities to embrace new normals with courage and hope. 💙 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 Terry A. Boyd is a 57-year-old father and 37-year burn survivor. At the age of 20, in 1988, he sustained burns over 93% of his body, resulting in the amputation of both legs. His survival is a testament to resilience, faith, determination, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Professionally, Terry has dedicated his life to helping others. He has worked in mental health with at-risk youth and in the addiction recovery field, supporting individuals and families through some of life’s toughest challenges. In 1999, he founded STAFF-RITE Personnel Services, launching a successful career in recruiting that has spanned more than two decades. Most recently, Terry became a first-time author with the upcoming release of his children’s book, Still Me, the story of Jordan, a young boy who survives a burn injury. Through this book, Terry hopes to encourage children, families, and communities to embrace new normals with courage, compassion, and hope. As a proud father of a 21-year-old son, Terry shares his journey not only as a survivor, but as a parent, professional, and storyteller—living proof of the power of faith, perseverance, humor, and love. Links & Notes 👉 Explore our resources and tools on mental health: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources?hierarchicalMenu%5Bfields.topics.lvl0%5D=Mental%20%2F%20Emotional%20Healing&page=1 👉 Get connected with the Amputee Coalition: https://amputee-coalition.org Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Since 1939, Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering and safety solutions. With expert knowledge, innovative strategies, and groundbreaking research, they help clients protect lives, property, and reputations—making the world a safer, more resilient place. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org

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. 💛 We also explore the tools and practices that supported her journey, from physical healing to spiritual growth, and her mission to give back to the survivor community. #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 At the age of 4, Cathy Marie Morton survived third-degree burns over 80% of her body, enduring 19 graft operations. Later, she also became a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of her father for 20 years. Her determination to survive and heal led her on a path of transformation—becoming a Reiki Master, life force harmonizer, and emotional alchemy specialist. Cathy merged her metaphysical knowledge and survivor story in her book “A Healer Forged in Fire.” Today, she continues to guide others in their healing, embodying resilience and hope. Links & Notes 👉 Visit Cathy’s website: https://cathymariemorton.com/ 👉Watch Cathy’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CathyMarieMorton 👉Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org 👉Visit the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: https://nrcdv.org 👉 Get Cathy’s book “A Healer Forged in Fire” here: https://www.amazon.com/Healer-Forged-Cathy-Marie-Morton/dp/B0FJZQMHP1 👉 Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/PWBC2025 Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a community of VW bus enthusiasts based in West Michigan. They come together to camp, host amazing events, and raise funds to support Phoenix Society. And mark your calendars for Bus Boo 2025, happening October 3 - 5th in Dorr, Michigan. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 💪 From her time at Shriners Hospital for Children - Cincinnati to her work with the Goldstein Family Grief Center, Donna has dedicated her career to providing compassionate support and building community for burn survivors and grieving families. Join us as we talk about resilience, peer connection, and the ways we can support one another in the healing process. 🫶 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories 🔗 Looking for links? Check out our show’s description on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. ⭐️ 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 Donna McCartney, LISW, MHA has been a bereavement counselor with the Goldstein Family Grief Center since November 2020. She has a Master in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a Master in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University. Prior to working at Hospice of Cincinnati, she worked at The Shriners Hospital for Children - Cincinnati, where she provided support for patients and families following burn injuries, facilitated peer support programs, and developed programming for burn survivors and their families. Her experience as a clinician is extensive—helping individuals and families navigate the unique challenges that present when grieving a death loss and other life-changing losses. Donna is passionate about being an advocate for those who are grieving and educating the community on grief and loss. Links 👉 Learn more about the Goldstein Family Grief Center: https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services 👉 Read “Supporting the Grief Journey After a Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/supporting-the-grief-journey-after-a-burn-injury 👉 Learn more about helping children deal with grief: https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/ 👉 Register and join us at Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Gropper & Nejat, a personal injury firm dedicated to supporting burn survivors in New York and New Jersey. They understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with burn injuries and fight tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for their clients. Receive a free consultation today by visiting groppernejat.com. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 💪 From growing up as the youngest of eight in a tight-knit family to navigating the physical and emotional challenges of his burn injury, Mike shares how vulnerability became a key part of his healing. Together, they dive into what it means to look confident vs. feeling confident, how body image has evolved throughout Mike's journey, and why embracing authenticity has been so powerful. 💛 He also opens up about using his Make a Move vlog to spotlight stories of everyday resilience, and offers meaningful advice for those attending Phoenix World Burn Congress for the first time! #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 Martin Michael Lopez is the youngest of eight and a proud uncle to more than a dozen nieces and nephews. Rooted in family and shaped by their resilience, Mike carries his values with humility, knowing he’s had access to opportunities his loved ones did not. His life changed forever after surviving a devastating car crash caused by a close friend. The accident left him in a coma, resulted in the loss of his left eye and hand, and caused burns over 30% of his upper body. Despite the odds, Mike left the hospital in just three months and went on to earn a degree in Economics from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - juggling surgeries, recovery, and self-discovery along the way. The traditional 9-to-5 world didn’t align with his values, but the burn community did. Inspired by mentor Dr. Ruth Rimmer, Mike began sharing his story to help others - showing up not for attention, but in service. Today, he is a competitive grappler and the creator of Make A Move, a vlog series amplifying the voices of amputees, burn survivors, and others reshaping their communities. Through these stories, Mike is challenging assumptions and spotlighting the strength found in adversity Links 👉 Follow Make a Move: https://linktr.ee/makeamove.mml 👉 Learn more about Mike’s journey: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/from-the-ashes-my-journey-to-make-a-move 👉 Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025 👉 Learn more and get peer support through Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by one of our fire prevention partners, Telgian! Telgian is committed to providing effective and innovative fire protection, life safety and security programs. Learn more by visiting www.telgian.com. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 💛 From ICU rooms to support groups, Maggie has spent years walking alongside burn survivors and their families, helping them navigate not just healing, but life beyond the hospital walls. Tune in to hear about her healthcare career, the importance of social work, and how social workers like her are critical to the healing journey. 💪 This is a story of compassion, community, and continuing care. #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Healthcare #BurnCare #SocialWork ⭐️ 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 Maggie Gould is a licensed clinical social worker who has been with the University of Colorado Hospital since 2017, working across various medical settings, including the burn center, where she supported survivors and families from ICU to outpatient care. She now serves on the hospital’s palliative care team and continues to lead support groups for burn survivors and their families through Phoenix Society.  Maggie is passionate about educating others on the role of social work in healthcare, mentoring interns, teaching as an adjunct professor, and contributing to research and publications. She lives in Denver with her husband Chad and their Westies, Minnie and Daisy. Links 👉 Learn more about Phoenix Society’s virtual support group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group 👉 Find tools for burn care professionals: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/tools-for-burn-care-professionals 👉 Explore all of Phoenix Society’s tools for survivors and caregivers: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/tools-for-burn-survivors-and-caregivers Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by AlloSource! AlloSource is one of the largest human tissue providers, honoring tissue donors by creating innovative skin allografts to help burn surgeons heal patients. Learn more about AlloSource and their continuing education hours by visiting their Resource Marketplace Listing directly on Phoenix Society’s website: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/resource-marketplace/allosource Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

The anniversary of the date of your burn injury trauma is a date for many that can be filled with lots of emotions, thoughts, and memories. For many, the date of your burn injury can bring both happiness of survival, while also mourning the loss and difficult tragedy that was the injury. In the burn survivor community, the ‘burniversary’ as it is called, doesn’t come with a set of instructions with the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways to do it—the day itself is solely up to the survivor themselves how they choose to honor it. In this episode, Amber and Rachel talk about their own burniversaries; Rachel celebrates 25 years on April 1st and Amber celebrates 3 years on April 4th. The girls dive into what a burniversary is or is not, how it can be celebrated or mourned, and discuss all of the unique ways they have heard of other survivors choosing to spend that day. They take questions from the audience live and share their own personal thoughts about what a trauma anniversary is like from the point of view of a survivor. About Rachel Kudlak Rachel Kudlak is a burn survivor and marketing professional residing in Charleston, South Carolina. As the Marketing Lead, Rachel manages and leads Phoenix Society’s marketing and digital strategies. Before joining Phoenix Society’s team, Rachel served as the Marketing and Communications Phoenix Fellow and worked in the SEO/ORM industry. When not working, Rachel enjoys going on walks with her dog Remy, trying a new recipe, or binge-watching reality tv. About Amber Wilcox Amber Wilcox is a burn survivor, yoga instructor, and marketing professional from Ormond Beach, Florida. After her kitchen accident in 2020, Amber faced burns on 20% of her body from a hot caramel spill. After two skin graft surgeries from Orlando Regional Burn Center, Amber experienced hypertrophic scarring and underwent a series of laser burn surgeries at Tampa General Hospital. As a Revenue Operations Strategist, Amber enjoys helping a wide range of industry clients with their marketing and revenue needs. Amber enjoys volunteering for the Phoenix Society as a Peer Supporter, practicing yoga, and enjoying sunny Florida with her husband, dachshund Nala, and their soon-to-be baby boy! Resources from the Show Read about ways survivors honor their burniversaries: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/ways-to-celebrate-or-honor-your-trauma-anniversary What is the burniversary effect? https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/the-burnaversary-effect https://www.groppernejat.com/ Learn more about virtual support from Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support Read Amber’s virtual open mic: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/virtual-open-mic-amber-wilcox Share your burn story: https://www.phoenix-society.org/open-mic-submission Learn about providing peer support: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/peer-support About Gropper & Nejat For over 25 years, the team at Gropper & Nejat have helped individuals who have suffered fractures, surgeries, amputations, severe burns and other injuries get the financial reparations they deserve. If you are local to the New York, New Jersey, or PA areas, contact them today for a free evaluation of your case! https://www.groppernejat.com/ Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. Enjoyed the show? Tell us on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!

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. 💛 Carolyn shares the powerful story of her son's injury at just 8 months old and the emotional road that followed. With honesty and grace, Carolyn opens up about the weight of parental guilt, the challenges of navigating parenthood after trauma, and the strength it took to heal alongside her husband. She offers insight into how her son's recovery has evolved as he's grown, the importance of creating space for both grief and growth and how their family intentionally celebrates each milestone of the healing journey. This episode is a must-listen for parents and caregivers! Join us as we close out the season with a story of family, growth, and the power of community. 💪 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Parenting #ChildBurnSurvivor #Healing #FamilyHealing ⭐️ 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 Carolyn Mae Kim is an accredited public relations professional, speaker, and author recognized for leading teams and crafting purpose-driven communication that builds trust and advances meaningful impact. She’s also the proud mother of a resilient and inspiring fourth grader who is a burn survivor—a role that has profoundly shaped her perspective on advocacy, empathy, and authentic connection. Links Read “Worth a Thousand Words: Growth Beyond Trauma:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/worth-a-thousand-words-growth-beyond-trauma Read “What To Expect When You Never Expected This: Navigating Burn and Scar Care for an Infant:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/what-to-expect-when-you-never-expected-this-navigating-burn-and-scar-care Read “Helping Toddler Burn Survivors Understand Their Experience:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/helping-toddler-burn-survivors Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary Get connected by joining Phoenix Society’s dedicated Facebook group for survivors and loved ones: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the Donor Alliance Foundation and the Brookby Foundation! The Donor Alliance Foundation is dedicated to advancing education and awareness around organ, eye, and tissue donation, while the Brookby Foundation supports transformative programs that improve lives and strengthen communities. We’re grateful for their generous support in helping us share burn community stories. Learn more at DonorAllianceFoundation.org and BrookbyFoundation.org. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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 episode, Rachel sits down with Kelly to explore her journey from surviving to thriving and how she found the courage to let her scars speak. Together, Rachel and Kelly reflect on growing up with visible scars, navigating childhood bullying, and how those early experiences shaped their self-image. Kelly shares the moment she decided to stop letting others define her confidence and started owning her story. From the TEDx stage to a viral Goalcast video with over 10 million views, Kelly talks about what motivates her to speak publicly and how she finds purpose in helping others embrace their own scars. Her message is clear: your pain can become your power! 💪 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 Kelly Woodhouse is a burn survivor and was injured when she was 2 on 75% of her body. She found a way to go from near death to success, from the scar-faced girl to the TEDx stage, not once but twice. A documentary about her life story, called Still Beautiful launched on TV plus Goalcast launched a video that has over 10 million views. Global TV announced Kelly as one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You have to ask yourself HOW? How did the Scar-Face girl find the strength in her scars? Links Visit Kelly Woodhouse’s website: https://kellyfalardeau.com Purchase and view “Still Beautiful:” https://app.hiro.fm/channel/doc Purchase and read Kelly’s latest book: https://a.co/d/6l0IUNw Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025 Read “Intimacy and Sexuality after a Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/intimacy-and-sexuality-after-a-burn-injury Read “Understanding Intimacy and Sexuality After Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/understanding-intimacy-and-sexuality-after-burn-injury 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. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 🌟 After sustaining a burn injury in 2022, Jim drew on the strength and discipline from his military career to forge a new path forward, one rooted in what he calls the 4 Fs: faith, family, fitness, and fire. Jim opens up about the road to recovery and how his military mindset became a cornerstone of his healing. He introduces listeners to his motivational framework, THINK WIN, a powerful acronym built on principles that have guided his post-injury life: Trust the coach, Harness the hurt, Ignite the fire within you, Never tap out, Kneel before you rise, War and will, Internalize your mission, Never alone. We close out the conversation with Jim's inspiring fitness journey as he trains for a full Ironman this fall, a mission driven not just by personal challenge but by a deep commitment to raise awareness and support the burn community. 💪 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ 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 Jim Wall is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 24 years of service as a C-130 and KC-135 pilot, leading organizations and bases around the world, including in combat zones. He now works as a Client Partner at Slalom, guiding enterprise-level transformations across industries. Jim is a certified executive leadership coach with the John Maxwell Team, committed to personal growth and development. He actively volunteers with Phoenix SOAR at the Regions Burn Center in St. Paul, MN, and mentors students at Minnetonka High School in leadership, aviation, and international relations. He also leads a men’s faith formation group and is currently training for Ironman Wisconsin in September 2025. A burn survivor since August 13, 2022, Jim channels his experience into service, resilience, and purposeful living. Links Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) : https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar Read “​​Let's Get Physical: Getting Started with Physical Fitness:” https://phoenix-society.org/resources/getting-started-with-physical-fitness Read “What to Expect: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/what-to-expect-mental-health Use the Burn Survivor Heat Tracker: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-survivor-heat-risk-calculator Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by one of our fire prevention partners, Telgian! Telgian is committed to providing effective and innovative fire protection, life safety and security programs. Learn more by visiting www.telgian.com. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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! 📊Together, we unpack key findings that shed light on the current needs, challenges, and resilience of burn survivors. Special thanks to our 2024 report sponsor, Mölnlycke Health Care, for their continued support in advancing burn care and championing survivor-centered research. We wrap up our conversation by highlighting the Top 10 Priorities in Global Burns Research, spotlighting the areas where research and advocacy can make the biggest difference. 🌎 Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, burn care professional, or ally, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to improving burn survivor outcomes! ⭐️ 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! #BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Research #BurnCare #Advocacy Meet Our Guest Amy Acton is the Chief Executive Officer for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, where she has served the organization for over 25 years. Amy is a burn survivor, former burn nurse, and a leading advocate for the burn community. She has dedicated her career to promoting the expansion of burn recovery services and resources for burn survivors and their loved ones. Links Download the 2024 State of the Survivor Report: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/2024-state-of-the-survivor-report Read the Top 10 Priorities in Global Burns Research: https://burnsresearch.bristol.ac.uk Thanks to our 2024 report sponsor, Mölnlycke Health Care, we continue advocating for better burn care. To learn more about gentle care for burns from Mölnlycke, visit their burn care solutions website: https://www.molnlycke.us/solutions/burns Download a comprehensive spreadsheet featuring facilities that provide specialized laser services for burn survivors: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/resource-marketplace/laser-resource-list Watch our podcast episode with Dr. Callie Thompson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cmdgqoAsuw Access the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-survivor-heat-risk-calculator Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Mölnlycke Health Care! Mölnlycke is a world-leading MedTech company that specializes in innovative solutions for wound care and surgical procedures. Mölnlycke products and solutions are used daily by hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients in over 100 countries around the world. Mölnlycke Health Care’s advanced wound care dressings, such as Mepilex Ag, are enabled by Safetac® technology, a gentle silicone adhesive that reduces pain and minimizes skin trauma of burn survivors at dressing change. For more information about burn care solutions, you can visit their website at https://www.molnlycke.us/solutions/burns/. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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. 🫶 They discuss the representation of survivors in the media, the challenges of living with a visible difference, and the importance of advocacy. This episode celebrates resilience and the beauty of every survivor! ⭐️ 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! #BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #FaceEqualityWeek #IFEW #FEW Meet Our Guest Award-winning author, Charlene Pell is the founder and executive director of Facing Forward, a 501©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with congenital or acquired facial or physical differences contend with staring, improve control of social interactions, and communicate confidently. Thirty years ago, Pell survived a catastrophic plane crash that burned 64 percent of her body, severely injuring her face and hands. She shares her compelling story of physically and emotionally surviving, recovering, and resurrecting her identity in her new book, In This Altered Body: A Survivor’s Story of Resilience and Love. As a result of her disfigurement and the lack of psychosocial resources available to her during her recovery, Pell researched and created programs and resources to help herself and others adjust to their changed appearance and circumstances. Since 1998, she’s shared her insights internationally as a keynote speaker at conferences for burn survivors and healthcare professionals. She created a nationwide program titled “What to Do When People Stare: A Workshop to Teach Individuals with Disfiguring Conditions to Contend with Staring and Improve Control of Social Interactions.” Her work has been published in Skin, Psychology Today, the American Burn Association’s Journal of Burn Care & Research, and other periodicals. Before her accident, Pell was vice president of communications for one of the most prominent design centers in the United States, the Design Center of the Americas. She managed and administered its marketing strategy and created extensive public relations programs in cooperation with Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Interior Design, and many other publications. Pell has a master’s in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband. Links Purchase and read Charlene’s book “In This Altered Body: A Survivor’s Story of Resilience and Love:” https://www.amazon.com/This-Altered-Body-Survivors-Resilience-ebook/dp/B0CVF7X9JT Learn more about Face Equality Week: https://faceequalityinternational.org/about-fei/international-face-equality-week/ Download the “Visible Difference & Disfigurement in the Arts” position paper: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/visible-difference-disfigurement-in-the-arts Sign the petition ‘Tell Hollywood Visible Difference Doesn’t Equal Evil!’ here: https://www.change.org/p/tell-hollywood-visible-difference-doesn-t-equal-evil Download the 2024 State of the Survivor Report: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/2024-state-of-the-survivor-report Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary Learn more about the “I Am Not Your Villain” campaign: https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/i-am-not-your-villian/ Contact Charlene: charlene@facingforwardinc.org Read Charlene’s “Hidden From View: Women With Facial Differences in the Media” here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/disability-is-diversity/202303/hidden-from-view-women-with-facial-differences-in-the-media Learn more about Facing Forward: https://facingforwardinc.org/ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by our new Phoenix Partner, Kerecis! From a small town in northwest Iceland, Kerecis develops, manufactures, and sells patented fish-skin soft tissue regeneration products. Kerecis GraftGuide is their intact fish-skin especially developed for the management of burn wounds. Kerecis fish-skin grafts contain fat, protein, elastin, glycans and other natural skin elements and are supplied in multiple shapes, variants and sizes. Learn more about Kerecis by checking out their website www.kerecis.com or reach out to info@kerecis.com if you are interested in using our products. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.