We say it all the time: nothing heals survivors like other survivors. In today's podcast episode, Diana Tinney joins us again to discuss research, advocacy, and helping other survivors. Diana shares how she got involved with research, sheds light on common survivor struggles with nutrition, and opens up about overcoming addiction. 

Upon her return from the hospital, Diana found solace in peer support visits, a transformative experience that underscored the healing power of survivors sharing their stories. This realization, coupled with her proactive curiosity, connection with the local burn care team, and the strength of peer support, propelled Diana into the realm of research and advocacy for the burn community. Over the years, she has actively participated in various research studies, including the recent CLIMB study. Her active involvement in these initiatives, irrespective of the research project or advocacy issue, has always been driven by her goal to enhance the lives of future survivors. 

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 

In 2010 at the age of 54, Diana Tenney was burned 94% of her body, which consisted of mostly third degree burns. Dianna spent over a year recovering from her injury in the hospital and then went on to have reconstructive surgeries for the next seven years.

She has spent most of the last 10+ years working with other burn survivors and medical researchers. She is the past president, secretary, and treasures of Burn Survivors of New England, co-coordinator of Knowledge Translation for the Boston-Harvard Burn Model Systems, trained Phoenix Society peer supporter, previous speaker with the American Burn Association, former Wellness Room Leader at Phoenix World Burn Congress, and so much more. She is extremely active in burn research and advocacy. Diana has also been sober for many years and is active in AA. 

Diana married her sweetheart, Jerry, in 2023 and has currently relocated with her husband, dog Barney, and cat Pebbles, to Tennessee to help care for her mother. Additionally, Diana is very physically active and participates in ZUMBA and yoga. 

Links 

• Watch Diana’s previous episode on Youtube
• Read Diana’s book: “God Never Moved: A Couple's Journey Through Fire to Life”
• Join Vanderbilt Burn Center’s support group
• Learn more about Burn Survivors of New England
• Join Phoenix Society’s support group
• Participate in the CLIMB study by emailing bostonharvardbims@partners.org
• Explore resources from the Burns Model System
• Learn more about burns being a chronic condition
• Explore resources on nutrition for burn survivors
• Get your copy of “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions"
• Learn more about Al-Anon

Podcast Sponsor 

Today’s podcast is powered by Johnson Controls! Johnson Controls is a global leader in fire safety and suppression technologies, helping to save lives and protect people around the world. Learn more about Johnson Controls by visiting their website: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com. 

Sponsor Girls with Grafts  

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.