Badly Burned

[Stone Frog]

Wanted to take a minute to share what happened to my son (DS now 6). When he was 3 1/2 years old we were visiting my father-in-laws camp when Zach fell backwards into a campfire. I was packing the truck when I heard him calling my name and saw his feet hanging over the campfire ring. He spent 21 days in the burn unit. He had 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 22% of his body. Without a doubt these were the hardest days of our lives. I will spare the details about the treatments and therapies over this period but I had no idea how he handled things hour by hour and day by day.

We had a Disney trip planned that was planned for ~2 months after the incident and struggled with the decision as to whether or not we would take it. Were were concerned with changing bandages in the hotel and the general heat in September At the urging of my sons surgeon we took the trip and spent a week at the WL. Disney could not have been more accomodating allowing out party to use the handicap entrances so he wouldn't have to wait in the sun and when we were waiting for shows they allowed us to wait inside in the shade. We had other people vacationing show acts of kindness all week long - other children giving my son pins, etc... I have always loved Disney but this trip in 2007 showed what a wonderful group of people that exist within the Disney community.

My son is doing well and is still having some cosmetic surgery done to help repair some areas of his scalp. He has an amazing spirit and I can't help but think that this accident will shape him into a stronger, more resililent child and adult as he gets older.

Remember - a small act of kindness can go a long way!

 

[Deesknee]

Thank you for sharing. I wish the best for you & your family. You sound like a wonderfully grateful parent. Bless you. Personally, thank you for the reminder of how a little can go a long way.

 

[Brenle]

Praying for you and your son.

 

[cm8]

and you are so correct, a little kindness does go a long way

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Bless your hearts! Thank you for a gentle reminder of how much a little kindness means.

Taking that trip took amazing courage and I am so happy it went well. I worked in an ICU Pediatric Burn Unit at the Shriner's Burn Hospital in Boston and without a doubt, some of the most courageous people anywhere are burn victims and their families.
Reconstructive surgery is not an easy part of the process, as you know. Will be holding your little one, and you all, in heartfelt prayer - please keep us posted, if possible?

 

[minkydog]

Oh my goodness, what a terrible terrible thing! You're poor boy! Poor you! I can't imagine how hard this has been. My brother was horribly burned when he was about 3, with hot oil from a popcorn popper. He suffered 2nd&3rd degree burns to his head, face, and hands. He was hospitalized for weeks, and spent months recovering. I don't know how my mother stood it. But Tommy recovered nicely. He's 49 now and his scars are still there, but they aren't so noticeable. It hasn't stopped him from being one of the few Master Yamaha Technicions in the U.S. I hope your boy makes a full recovery, too. God bless you all.