4 BURN VICTIMS AND THEIR SURVIVAL STORIES

As the holidays approach, I'm reminded once again of my mom's accident, how God saved her and how she has impacted so many lives through her non-profit, Burn Care International.  For over a decade, she has traveled all over the world and worked to improve the lives of burn victims through effective rehabilitation, helping over 10,000 victims!  This time of year marks a season of giving and I hope that you will take a moment to read these stories below and consider giving a tax-deductible donation to Burn Care International before the end of 2017.

A little patient name Emily, with her
pressure garment on.

Harold Torrez Araoz -   "The gas explosion happened when I was at work.  At first, I didn't feel any pain, but I felt so hot.  I pulled off my clothes and noticed that the burned skin had turned white.  My brother ran in to see what happened and ended up not really helping me because he went into shock.  I told him to call our parents and tell them what happened.  The Ambulance came to pick me up and took me to a hospital in Vinto, since I was working 15 kilometers outside of town.  They didn't know what to do with me there, so I was taken to another hospital.  I got there and waited and waited and no one attended me, so I finally went to a 3rd hospital, where I was finally seen.  The accident happened at 2:15 on a Wednesday afternoon and I didn't get taken care of at the hospital until 6pm that night.  (Click the link to read more of Harold's story.)

Maciel Fernandez Peredo - "I was burned three years ago, when I was 15 years old.  I was out of town with my family, celebrating Carnival.  We had a fire going and my mom took a bottle of alcohol and poured it onto the fire.  Instantly, the flames leapt towards me!  My arms were on fire and my mom ran at me to help me.  However, she ended up pouring more alcohol on me by accident and then my chest and face caught fire.  My father grabbed the alcohol bottle and threw it and then he pushed my mother away from me.  (Click the link to read more of Maciel's story.)

Alejandra Cruz Romero - Alejandra's story, told by her mother: "Six years ago, when Alejandra was three years old, she fell backwards into boiling water.  I took her immediately to Univalle Hospital and she stayed there for one week.  They didn't know how to care for her burns properly and she got worse and worse as time went on.  She developed an infection and her body kept swelling more and more.  By the time I took her out of that hospital her 2nd Degree burns had turned into 3rd Degree and her skin was coming off all over her back as if there was nothing holding it there.  (Click the link to read more of Alejandra's story.)

Javier

Javier Abel Espinoza - "Two years ago, when I was 32, I was burned in an electrical explosion.  My wife was 2 months pregnant and I took up a second job to make some extra money for us.  It was only the second night on the new job that I had the accident.  When the accident happened, I was sitting down on the floor, facing the piece of machinery.  The electrical currents were too strong and caused the explosion.  I guess from the surprise, I sucked in a breath, which caused me to also suck in the fire.  I passed out and came in and out of unconsciousness while I waited on the ambulance to take me to the hospital.  (Click the link to read more of Javier's story.)

As you can see, burns aren't just for a certain age, gender, race, etc.  Victims are men and women, young and old and all over the world.  Some are burned much worse than others, but every accident is terrible and traumatic.  Many victims are scarred for life in every way, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.  It's so important for them to receive good care so that they can properly heal and get back to their life.

   By supporting BCI, you will be providing material, thread, zippers and foam for the Pressure Garments and Suits, silicon for the difficult scars, essential oils and creams for itching skin, salaries for Juana and Maria (the workers) and basic supplies for the Burn Clinic.  

     Please CLICK HERE to visit BCI's website to learn more about our important ministry.

-You can DONATE ONLINE by scrolling to the bottom of the website, click the "DONATE" button.  

-Or you can MAIL A CHECK to:
Burn Care International
419 Woodland Drive
Florence, SC 29501

  All donations are tax-deductible and will change a burn victim's life!

HOW TO TRULY PROTEST FOR CHANGE

This morning, I was checking my FaceBook and came across my moms post about the football players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.  I saw the news a few days ago, but didn't give it much thought.  However, after reading my mom's post and the comments that she got, I couldn't get it off my mind.  I don't think that this protest is a problem with patriotism, or government, or racism or the flag or the right to protest.  The real problem is the heart.  

My mom with patients in Ethiopia.

Want to talk about protesting for change?  Let’s talk about my mom.  She was burned and almost died.  The hospital in Bolivia didn't give her the care she needed, so she was brought to the USA and survived.  It took her years of wearing compression suits and physical therapy to get to where she is today.  You know what she didn't do?  Go back to that hospital in Bolivia and take a knee in front of it.  You know why?  That would have done absolutely nothing.  But, instead, she survived her own accident, researched and researched, learned everything she could possibly learn about burns, talked to countless doctors and experts, returned to Bolivia, began to visit other patients in the burn clinic, provided for them on her own, eventually opened a non-profit called Burn Care International, raised the money to care for those burn victims and has helped over 10,000 patients with rehabilitation for over a decade.  

THAT is protesting for change.  

So, my question is, are these players willing to do what my mom has done?  Are they willing to truly stand up for change?  Or are they only going to kneel?  

Because we live in a sinful world, there will always be things that we need to improve on.  No country or culture is perfect, but America has so much to be thankful for.  While growing up overseas, I was able to see how the majority of the world lives and I learned how truly privileged we are here.  We have resources that much of the world will never know.  And yet we don't recognize them as blessings because we are so used to them being part of our everyday life.  The fact that you have internet access and are reading this on a computer or cell phone means that you are living better than the majority of the world.  

My mom helps an Ethiopian girl try on her first
compression suit!

I agree with my mom.  What did kneeling actually do to truly change anything?  Sure, we are talking about it.  But, what else?  Has anything actually changed since they kneeled?  However, what if these men had instead began to consistently pray together, as a team, for change?  And what if these men went out into communities and physically worked for change, using their own time, energy and money?  What if they banded together and formed non-profits and raised money to help with changes?  And what if they used their network to find other people who can influence change, begin to meet with them and come up with a plan to move forward?  And what if, they continued to work together passionately for years and years?  Can you imagine the kind of change we would see then?

My mom is in Ethiopia right now, training people how to care for burn victims.  She has gone to China.  Bangladesh.  Bolivia.  She even has helped many people in the USA.  Several times a year, she is overseas, helping people.  She has given her time, energy and money to help people around the world since I was a child.  That is truly standing up for change.  So, instead of these players kneeling down and showing their disapproval, what if they stood up, spoke up and actually lead people somewhere?  My mom is just one person, working for change.  Imagine what these players, together as a team and with their platform, could do for change.  People don't follow someone who isn't going anywhere.  People follow someone who is inspired, has a plan and is moving forward.  Are these players willing to do what my mom has done?  Are they willing to sacrifice years and years of their time, energy and money for something they say they care so much about?  

My mom training her new Ethiopian seamstress how to measure, cut
and sew a compression suit.

However, I keep having to remind myself that no matter what we do, the world is never going to be perfect.  We are sinners and we need God.  We can work together to make positive changes, but there will always be problems with the world.  Who knows…maybe these men kneeling will somehow make some type of change.  But, as for me?  I’m supporting my mom, who goes to the hard places and helps the hurt people, consistently, right now, today.  She is making real changes in real people’s lives.  

This isn’t about politics, government, race or whatever else it may come across as you read this post.  This is about our hearts.  My mom’s heart is in the right place.  What do we know about these players?  I know nothing, except that they kneeled down in protest during a game.  Do they truly want real change?  I hope so!  We could use it.  But what are they willing to do about it?  Are they willing to go to the lengths that my mom has gone to?  Only time will tell.

Visit my moms website: Burn Care International

Tons of people talk about change.  It's actually a pretty popular topic.  But, how many of those people actually do anything about it?  Like, really do something about it.  My mom is changing lives, one person at a time.  She cares about burn victims.  She is passionate to see them live better lives.  She is constantly protesting for change through her actions.  What do you care about?  What are you passionate about?  And are you truly protesting for change there?

Let's hear less talk.

Let's see more action.

The world could use it.

THE STORY OF A SURVIVOR - 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Here is an old post that comes up at the same time each year:

On December 21st, 2001 my mom was severely burned...over 35% of her body was 3rd degree burns.

We were having an early Christmas dinner and when we went to refill the Fondue burner, it exploded.  While my sisters ran upstairs to hide and my dad threw my mom on the floor and rolled her around, I ran back and forth to the kitchen 2 times with water in a faded green tupperware container.  When the fire was out, my mom held up her arms and her skin was hanging off.  She asked for a mirror and ibuprofen.  We had no idea what we were doing, so we ran to get our beach towels, soaked them in water and covered her skin in them.  After calling one of my parents friends, Greg Bryce, he arrived and we helped my mom walk, yes walk, out to our land cruiser and drive her to the nearest hospital. 

She sat in the Bolivian hospital for 5 days, slowly dying, because they didn't know what to do with her either!  My dad was snapping photos like crazy and sending them back to a friend (and Doctor) in the USA, Peter Zavell, who told him that my mom needed to get to the USA or she wouldn't make it.  My dad, a doctor, two nurses and a friend flew my mom on a regular airplane to Miami and then from Miami they were picked up and flown to the Augusta Burn Clinic. 

My dad left me and my sisters behind in Bolivia.  I remember going to the airport to say goodbye.  She was in the ambulance and we were peeking in the window to look at her and talk to her.  I didn't think that I would even see her again.  A week later my dad returned to Bolivia with plans to take me and my sisters back to the USA with him.  We had trouble getting out of the country because my mom wasn't there to sign paperwork.  I remember my dad had brought back gifts from North Metro Church...a purple hairdryer and a makeup case.  After he told us to pack 2 weeks worth of stuff for our trip, I took my new hairdryer and makeup, some clothes and shoes and packed them into my pink monogramed duffle. 

Once we arrived in the USA, we were picked up in Miami by my Uncle Russell and we went home to our 800 sq ft house.  My 3 sisters and I shared a tiny room with 2 bunks.  When we went into our room to dump our bags, we found that people had left gifts on our beds.  Sweet Pea Body Spray from Bath and Body Works was one of my gifts and Cucumber Melon Body Spray was one of my sisters gifts...to this day, if I smell those scents, I am immediately brought back to that bedroom.  People had furnished our entire house, decorated it for Christmas, filled up the kitchen with food and so much more. 

My mom ended up surviving, so we stayed in the USA for 5 months, enrolling in private school during that time and waiting until she could travel again.  I went one time to Georgia to visit my mom in the hospital with my mimi.  My mom had something that looked like seaweed stapled all over her skin.  I got so sick, I had to sit down and put my head between my legs so that I wouldn't pass out. 

A few weeks into our time in the USA, I remember Margaret and Sarah Charles picking us up and taking us shopping at the mall.  I still remember getting into her car, sitting down, leaning my head back on the seat and feeling so relieved that someone (an adult) was taking care of us.  I felt like I could relax a little and that someone else was in charge.  Margaret bought me a pair of Express Jeans a red T-shirt from American Eagle.  I will never forget it.  Things were so hectic and I was the oldest, so I felt very responsible to "mother" my little sisters...do their hair, get them dressed for school, make sure they are ok, etc.  But, I was still only 16 myself and, at that time, I wanted to be babied a little bit too!

After 5 months, my mom was finally able to return to Bolivia.  When we got back, we still hadn't celebrated Christmas, so we got to open all our gifts and celebrate Christmas in June!  For 2 years after her accident, we helped my mom with taking off her compression suit, bathing, applying creams, putting a clean compression suit on, taking her meds and much more! 

Because she was burned, she began to visit the burn clinic in Cochabamba, Bolivia and from that she ended up founding her own non-profit, Burn Care International.  She saw that, just like her, burn victims in Bolivia were not getting good care.  Today, she not only has her own office in the Burn Clinic in Bolivia, but she travels around the world and helps burn victims in developing countries like China, Ethiopia and many others!

Every time I think about my mom's accident, I am reminded of Romans 8:28 - And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.

Although that was the hardest time in my life, I know that it was in God's plan.

I am so thankful to each and every friend and family member who helped us and cared for our family...I know that we are truly loved by many!

And I am so thankful that my mom not only survived, but now she is changing lives all around the world!

Please take a moment to visit her website and consider making a donation so that she can continue to help burn victims around the world!  We would greatly appreciate any mention of this ministry to potential donors, especially for year-end donations, corporate donations, and family trust donations!  All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too large or too small - 100% goes towards ministry.  It is an investment that changes lives and gives patients a chance for a good recovery.

Click HERE to visit Burn Care International's website to learn more about this non-profit, my mom, the patients and the ministry around the world!

The richest family in town...

My daddy posted this on his Facebook profile and I wanted to share here:

The following, is a story of where we were as a family fourteen years ago.  I do not send it out to scare anyone or dwell on the past, but I do read it each year to remind myself of God’s incredible goodness, mercy and grace that he has showered on the Jackson Family.  We are blessed.

This was in email form and I sent it out from our home in Cochabamba, Bolivia, to family, friends and supporters.  There are a series of emails that I sent in order to keep folks posted on what was happening.  The notes also helped me process and think out loud.

Take a walk with us as we marvel at what God has done.

This note was sent around 3a.m. the morning of the 24th.

12-24-01

  Dear all...I have indeed been running the events over and over in my mind.  I have an incredible image of Cindy engulfed in flames and our screaming.  I tried everything to put her out.  Screaming does not do it. If screaming could, she would have been out before flames reached her body.  I have never screamed so much in my life.  Screams came from some place deep where horrors are stored.  

As soon as it was over, I was cradling her on the floor.  I had screamed for wet towels and my screams turned to soothing.  Looking Cindy directly in the eyes and saying that it was going to be all right.  "It's out, It's out, It's out!"  I made the youngest girls come in and see their mommy… that she was o.k.  That she was alive.  As they looked on, they winced and strange, “Spielberg”, sounds come from their little bellies…Deep, hurtful sounds.  

I made them see her up close and then we got a mirror for Cindy to see herself.  I was to blame.  I know it was indeed an accident.  But I am absolutely to blame and cannot shirk that.  Why was I not thinking clearly when we decided to add more alcohol to the fondue burner?  I am fine.  Just wondering.  My hands were burned but it seems like nothing compared to my brides.  I am ashamed and at the same time grateful.  

Can you imagine, what would have happened if more of us would have caught on fire.  Someone would be dead now.  Can you imagine if I would have caught on fire at the same time as Cindy?  Who would have helped us, not the girls.  It took all my energy to eventually put my wife out.  What would have happened if one or more of my little girls would have also caught on fire?  I cannot get that awful idea out of my head. 

God has a plan.  We cannot begin to understand God's wisdom.  I am grateful.  I have made a decision in my mind.  There have been several people that have offered help to get Cindy to a burn unit in the states.  It got my tumblers thinking until 3 a.m. this morning.  I am going to check on airlines today to see if Cindy and I could get on a plane.  I am going to buy two first class tickets and one regular to be at the bulkhead.  Cindy will be able to rest well near the front and with a larger seat.  The extra first class will be for a nurse to ride beside Cindy and take care of her.  I will try to get a bulkhead seat.  We would switch between the two seats according to Cindy's needs.  

Whether we get help with the expense or not, this is what I will do unless the Lord shows me another way.  There is no reason not to have my mate of 20 years at the best medical facility available, if I can.  Pray as I make these plans.  As soon as she is stable and safe to move, I will move her.  Pray for wisdom.  Pray for the minds, of our two youngest girls, Maggie and Lizzie to just fog over for now.  They both have had terrible memories of seeing their mommy on fire, and not even "Big Poppa Bear", could put out the flames quick enough.

In Acts 27  Paul and some other men have been caught in a storm on the Adriatic Sea.  They have been fighting for their lives for fourteen days and nights.  On the four-tenth night it says they took soundings.  Verse 29 says, "Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight".  

We too are praying for daylight, and it will come.  

In Bolivia,

Wick

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     When I was little, I got tired of watching It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas.  We watched them EVERY SINGLE YEAR and they seemed old and outdated.  However, this year I watched them and got all choked up during two scenes...please take a second to watch both:

CLICK HERE - White Christmas

CLICK HERE - It's a Wonderful Life

     You know why I got all choked up?!?!?!  I was listening to someone the other day talking about when her father died and no one came around to help or even showed up at the funeral.  I realized that my family, although we have gone through hard times, has ALWAYS had people around us who care...people who show up.

     In White Christmas, hundreds of people show up to support the General, encourage him and get him and his family back on their feet.  The same thing happens for George in It's a Wonderful Life.  And the same thing has happened over and over and over again for my own family.

     We have NEVER been without a home, food, cars, clothes, jobs, money...we have NEVER lacked for anything.  My parents have lived their life in such a way that people would do just about anything in the world for them.  They have friends...true friends.  It's taken me 30 years to appreciate these two movies because I've realized that everyone goes through hard times, but not everyone has the type of friends that have your back, through thick and thin.

     When I look at my parents, I see their success...it may not be success by the world's standards, but they have what I want Nick and I to have.  When my life is going downhill and I feel like I've lost everything, I want the type of friends that come around when its not fun to be around.  "Things" can be lost in a flood, burned up in a fire and stolen by a thief, but relationships can be built and last a lifetime!  Christmas is a wonderful time of year and I love the gifts, but I want to be reminded of what really matters...friends and family.

     George Bailey's little brother said that George was the richest man in town, but I have to say I disagree...The Jacksons are the richest family in town...I just want to say to my daddy and momma, I have watched y'all live an adventure and make an impact on every life you touch and I hope that I grow up to be just like both of you!

     Merry Christmas to EACH and EVERY person 

who has EVER loved on my family and cared for us...you have truly 

been a blessing to us and we are SO THANKFUL

to have YOU as a friends!

Let's be Friends:

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Survivor

On December 21st, 2001 my mom was severely burned...over 35% of her body was 3rd degree burns.

We were having an early Christmas dinner and when we went to refill the Fondue burner, it exploded.  While my sisters ran upstairs to hide and my dad threw my mom on the floor and rolled her around, I ran back and forth to the kitchen 2 times with water in a faded green tupperware container.  When the fire was out, my mom held up her arms and her skin was hanging off.  She asked for a mirror and ibuprofen.  We had no idea what we were doing, so we ran to get our beach towels, soaked them in water and covered her skin in them.  After calling one of my parents friends, Greg Bryce, he arrived and we helped my mom walk, yes walk, out to our land cruiser and drive her to the nearest hospital.

She sat in the Bolivian hospital for 5 days, slowly dying, because they didn't know what to do with her either!  My dad was snapping photos like crazy and sending them back to a friend (and Doctor) in the USA, Peter Zavell, who told him that my mom needed to get to the USA or she wouldn't make it.  My dad, a doctor, two nurses and a friend flew my mom on a regular airplane to Miami and then from Miami they were picked up and flown to the August Burn Clinic.

My dad left me and my sisters behind in Bolivia.  I remember going to the airport to say goodbye.  She was in the ambulance and we were peeking in the window to look at her and talk to her.  I didn't think that I would even see her again.  A week later my dad returned to Bolivia with plans to take me and my sisters back to the USA with him.  We had trouble getting out of the country because my mom wasn't there to sign paperwork.  I remember my dad had brought back gifts from North Metro Church...a purple hairdryer and a makeup case.  After he told us to pack 2 weeks worth of stuff for our trip, I took my new hairdryer and makeup, some clothes and shoes and packed them into my pink monogramed duffle.

Once we arrived in the USA, we were picked up in Miami by my Uncle Russell and we went home to our 800 sq ft house.  My 3 sisters and I shared a tiny room with 2 bunks.  When we went into our room to dump our bags, we found that people had left gifts on our beds.  Sweet Pea Body Spray from Bath and Body Works was one of my gifts and Cucumber Melon Body Spray was one of my sisters gifts...to this day, if I smell those scents, I am immediately brought back to that bedroom.  People had furnished our entire house, decorated it for Christmas, filled up the kitchen with food and so much more.

My mom ended up surviving, so we stayed in the USA for 5 months, enrolling in private school during that time and waiting until she could travel again.  I went one time to Georgia to visit my mom in the hospital with my mimi.  My mom had something that looked like seaweed stapled all over her skin.  I got so sick, I had to sit down and put my head between my legs so that I wouldn't pass out.

A few weeks into our time in the USA, I remember Margaret and Sarah Charles picking us up and taking us shopping at the mall.  I still remember getting into her car, sitting down, leaning my head back on the seat and feeling so relieved that someone (an adult) was taking care of us.  I felt like I could relax a little and that someone else was in charge.  Margaret bought me a pair of Express Jeans a red T-shirt from American Eagle.  I will never forget it.  Things were so hectic and I was the oldest, so I felt very responsible to "mother" my little sisters...do their hair, get them dressed for school, make sure they are ok, etc.  But, I was still only 16 myself and, at that time, I wanted to be babied a little bit too!

After 5 months, my mom was finally able to return to Bolivia.  When we got back, we still hadn't celebrated Christmas, so we got to open all our gifts and celebrate Christmas in June!  For 2 years after her accident, we helped my mom with taking off her compression suit, bathing, applying creams, putting a clean compression suit on, taking her meds and much more!

Because she was burned, she began to visit the burn clinic in Cochabamba, Bolivia and from that she ended up founding her own non-profit, Burn Care International.  She saw that, just like her, burn victims in Bolivia were not getting good care.  Today, she not only has her own office in the Burn Clinic in Bolivia, but she travels around the world and helps burn victims in developing countries.

Every time I think about my mom's accident, I am reminded of this verse:

Although that was the hardest time in my life, I know that it was in God's plan.

I am so thankful to each and every friend and family member who helped us and cared for our family...I know that we are truly loved by many!

And I am so thankful that my mom not only survived, but now she is changing lives all around the world!

Please take a moment to visit her website and consider making a donation so that she can continue to help burn victims around the world!

Burn Care International

My Mom is a WORLD CHANGER!!!

Please read my mom's story below:

"My name is Cindy Jackson and I am the founder of Burn Care International.   During the holidays of 2001,  God orchestrated events in my life that would change me forever.   In an accident at our home in Bolivia, South America, I was seriously burned with third degree burns on over 35% of my body and subsequently spent the next two years wearing pressure clothing and undergoing rehabilitation.  Everything about our life came to a halt on that day and we spent quite a lot of time trying to find normalcy again over the next months.  

 Until that experience, I had only been exposed to burns once on a visit to the public hospital in Bolivia and what I saw that day was enough to prevent me from ever returning.  I had no previous knowledge of burn treatment and was shocked when Dr. Mullins at the Augusta Burn Center told me that the healing process for burns was very slow and that I would have to wear a tight fitting pressure suit for the next 1-2 years as part of my treatment.  I thought he must be crazy.  

Unfortunately, he was not crazy and I did have to wear the suit for two years.  I tried every possible way to get out of wearing the suit and sewed quite a few variations of my suit hoping to find a better solution but over the course of the first year came to understand that nothing I could do was going to make the process any quicker or the suit any simpler and I began to be a compliant patient studying and learning about every product, crème, exercise, etc… on the internet or in books.  I am thankful for what I was able to learn about burns during this time because I know that God was preparing me for a ministry I could have never invented on my own strength.  

Five months after the accident, our family returned to Bolivia to continue our ministry and for me to continue my healing process.  Several weeks later I unknowingly began what was to eventually become BCI when I visited a teenager that was seriously burned and had been in the public hospital for eight months.  What I saw that day made me physically and emotionally ill.  While I had received the best care that money could buy, she had basically received nothing.  She was pitiful to say the least and was destined to be a cripple with horrible scars.  Before I could barely help her, she was released from the hospital and sent home.   I never knew what happened to her but it started a fire in me that kept me going back.  Not long after that I began to visit the public hospital for burned children donating every thing I could get my hands on and donating all my old suits to be made into new suits for the kids.  It was a pitiful drop in the bucket of what needed to be done.

Over the next two years I continued to visit the burn center but I knew that I need a bigger vision for what needed to be done.  When we returned to the states in 2004,  I began my paperwork to open Burn Care International, Inc., a non-profit, tax exempt 501 c-3 corporation dedicated to improving the lives of burn victims in developing countries around the world.  In the summer of 2005, we opened our first office in Cochabamba, Bolivia right in the same building as the public hospital for burned children, hired a director and a seamstress and opened our doors.  It was definitely a case of the blind leading the blind in the beginning but the Lord blessed this ministry in a way that I would have not thought possible and the results are shown in the lives that have been helped.  

By the end of the first year, we had helped over 290 burned children in our small two room clinic. Since that first summer, not every one has been compliant and we have had our share of disappointments but for the parents who have understood the importance of the process and have obeyed our request to have their child wear the pressure suit 23 hours a day, attend physical therapy, keep the skin and the clothing clean, eat a nutritious diet and moisturize daily, we have seen fantastic results.   

The good news that I have learned is that the difference between horrible scarring and decent healing in most cases can be pretty basic and cheap.    A good seamstress, a $20/yard roll of fabric with zippers, thread, and elastic, basic silicone inserts and sponges, crèmes and lotions, good hygiene and nutrition, common sense on the part of the staff and daily physical therapy are the necessary ingredients to a successful pressure therapy treatment.   

             Burn Care International, Inc recognizes that most of the suffering and physical deformities from burns in poor countries around the world could be prevented with education and training in pressure therapy.  The process is not quick but it is effective and can be done by a staff with basic medical training and a good seamstress with a serger and basic sewing machine.  BCI is dedicated to training willing medical workers in poor countries around the world how to work with burn patients so that they have the opportunity to heal properly and return to a normal life.

                 I truly believe that God allowed me to be burned so that I would see the needs around me and to be able to speak from experience about burns.  It is my prayer that BCI can make a difference in the lives of burn patients around the world.  If you would like more information about how to support this ministry, if you would like a speaker at an event to share the ministry of BCI, or if your organization offers medical care as a ministry in developing countries and you would like more information about burn education and pressure therapy training, please contact me."

***Please help my mom keep changing the lives of burn victims around the world by considering a Tax-Deductible donation to Burn Care International.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

A Letter From A Survivor

     Alejandra, her mom, Vicki, and her younger sister came to be interviewed by me a few weeks back...CLICK HERE to read that post.  All of the questions were mostly answered by Vicki because Alejandra still can't talk about her accident.  Instead, Alejandra was able to write down her story.  Here it is below:

"I'm writing a story of what happened to me.  

My name is Alejandra.  I am 8-years-old and this happened 6 years ago, when I was 3 years and 2 months old.  I had a terrible accident.  I was a little girl who liked to explore a lot and wanted to see everything, but sometimes we shouldn't get near things that are dangerous, like electricity, fire, boiling water and when we are little, the kitchen stove and oven and the iron.  Basically, anything that our parents tell us not to get near.  

I was burned with boiling water on half of my body.  The pain was worse than most people ever feel. I had surgery 6 times and this made my entire body hurt.  I had to stay in a room all alone, without my parents and I didn't even know why.  It seemed like 1,000 years passed while I was alone because everything hurt.  I always wanted it to stop, but it never would.  My momma could never be with me.  I always wanted her beside me, but she had to stay outside and I could only see her through the window.  She would stand out there and tell me that she was still with me.  

After a lot of time passed, they put me with other children.  But, I already felt so alone and I was already so tired that I couldn't move anywhere and I had to just sit still all of the time.  I wanted to go to play with the other children, but I couldn't.  There were other children like me.  There was one little boy that had his hand cut off by the doctor because of his accident and I hated to see him like that.  I thought that this would also happen to me, but it didn't.  The days passed and I was desperate to go play or hug my momma.  My momma could only visit for a short time, then the nurses were so mean and so strict that they would kick out all of the mommas.  

One day my doctor came in and called one of the nurses to come with him.  He told the nurse to take me to the Operating Room.  They took me there and began to operate on me without giving me any anesthesia.  It hurt so bad that I didn't think that I could take the pain.  I thought that they were removing my skin and I screamed and screamed with all of my strength, calling for my momma, yelling for help and for someone to save me from the pain.  After the operation, they put me in a pool of water.  I was so scared that it would make my skin hurt worse.  One of the doctors was so nice and kept telling me that I was very brave and that it was almost over.

One day, my momma came at night and told me that we were going home.  She put on my pijamas and carried me outside where all of my uncles waited for me.  I was so happy to go home and thought that I had finished everything.  But, I wasn't finished because I couldn't walk, so I had to do three different types of therapies: Physical Therapy, Hydro-Therapy and Pressure Therapy.  While doing these therapies, I began to improve, while my skin began to heal.  Sometimes I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand for my momma to bathe me with cold water.  I wanted to scratch, but couldn't even though my skin itched so badly.  They said that it would make my skin grow more keloid scars if I did.  

I asked God to help me heal quickly so that I didn't have to take these nasty medicines.  I hated when people touched my skin, but I had to go to Physical Therapy.  It was so painful, but I went every single day.  After Physical Therapy, they would put me in the water for Hydro-Therapy and I would stay in there for 3 hours every day...this was my favorite.  I also used Pressure Therapy and this was what I hated the most.  It was a suit that was very tight over my whole body.  Sometimes I felt that I couldn't ever breathe or move well.  It was like wearing a girdle.  But, I used it for 2 years 24 hours per day.  During those two years, I was brave and did all of the therapies, like I was supposed to.

I lost 3 years of my childhood.  I couldn't play with any children because I couldn't be in the dirt, I couldn't be in the sun, I couldn't run because I couldn't sweat in my suit.  I was prohibited to play, but all that changed when I went to Kinder and my momma decided to take me out of the horrible suit.  I didn't have to go anymore to my therapies.  I was afraid that they would hurt me again.

Even until today, I carry the scars on my body and the pain in my soul.  Only I know of the pain that I went through.  I am a happy girl and have many friends.  Now I can play, run, and dance.  I have a little sister that I can play with 24 hours per day, my momma and my daddy by my side and I am happy.

-Alejandra"

CLICK HERE to visit BCI's website to learn more about our important ministry.  

-You can DONATE ONLINE by scrolling to the bottom of the website and clicking the DONATE button.  

-Or you can MAIL A CHECK to:  

Burn Care International

419 Woodland Drive

Florence, SC 29501.  

All donations are tax-deductible and will change the life of a burned victim!!!

Burn Care International - Javier Abel Espinoza Rodrigez

Javier

     "Two years ago, when I was 32, I was burned in an electrical explosion.  My wife was 2 months pregnant and I took up a second job to make some extra money for us.  It was only the second night on the new job that I had the accident.

     When the accident happened, I was sitting down on the floor, facing the piece of machinery.  The electrical currents were too strong and caused the explosion.  I guess from the surprise, I sucked in a breath, which caused me to also suck in the fire.  I passed out and came in and out of unconsciousness while I waited on the ambulance to take me to the hospital.

     First the ambulance took me to Hospital Viedma and waited there for a few hours, but there was no ICU for burned adults, so I was sent to Hospital Univalle.  I spent 2 months in Univalle.  For the first two weeks, I had operations every single day.  Then, during the next two weeks, I had operations every other day.  The staff didn't let my wife come in to see me because I looked so bad and my body was so swollen.  They all said that I was going to die.  My wife was so upset that she almost lost our baby...she had to stay in the bed for 3 weeks after my accident.

     Since I had sucked in the fire, I was burned all the way down my throat and lungs.  I had to have a trachea for 2 months.  45% of my body was burned.  My body was 3rd degree burns and my face was 2nd degree burns.  I had skin graphs taken from my lower legs and the back of my thighs and bottom to cover the rest of my body where I was burned.  Everything was so painful that I felt like it would be better for burn patients to die rather than live through this...especially children who are burned.

     After two months in the hospital, I was sent home.  I stayed in bed for 1 more month and the hospital sent nurses and physical therapists to me.  Once all of my skin had healed, I went to get my Pressure Suit from the Burn Clinic.  The doctor at the hospital told me that I was going to have to have many more surgeries because of my scars.  On my stomach I had skin that needed to be removed.  Also, in both of my armpits, I needed to have skin removed because the skin from my body had grown and attached to the skin from my upper arm.  It was almost like I no longer had an armpit.  I had no movement and was more like a robot.  My skin was so hard, I could knock on it and it sounded like wood!  I was so sensitive, I didn't want anything or anyone to touch my skin.

     When I first began using the Pressure Suit, I hated to wear it.  It was tight and I was always sore and uncomfortable.  But, Juana at the Burn Clinic told me that I had to wear it and kept checking up on me.  So, I listened to her and slowly saw my skin start to improve!  The skin that was so hard became softer and flatter.  The place on my stomach no longer needed surgery!  And the best part was the my skin improved more and more until I finally had my armpits back and could lift my arms!  The Pressure Suit saved me from having to have many more surgeries and I'll always remember that...I am so grateful for the Burn Clinic and for Juana.  

     I finally returned to work 4 months after the accident, but I continued to do physical therapy at the hospital for 7 months.  I still do the exercises now at home, on my own.  I've now been wearing my Pressure Suit for 1.5 years.  In the beginning, I wore it 24/7, but now I am slowly wearing it less and less.  I continue to go 1 time per month to have Juana check my Suit and make adjustments.  I finally am starting to feel good and move like a normal person.  In my Pressure Suit, I feel much more confident now...I know that my skin in protected and nothing will touch it, it is healing well and I have good movement.  The only thing that is still challenging is the sun...my skin is very sensitive to sunlight and heat, so I have found that I now love the nighttime!

     If I could talk to other patients I would tell them that they MUST wear the Pressure Suits and Garments.  The doctors and nurses saved my life in the beginning, but had no idea how to help me as a burned victim.  Going to see Juana and getting my Pressure Suit saved me from so many more operations and so much more pain.  Every one should listen to Juana and do what she says.  It is not easy, but it is the best thing that you can do for your skin.

     If I could talk to the hospital, I would tell them that they need to improve their services.  At Hospital Viedma, I waited for hours while I was dying, only to be sent away because they didn't have ICU.  Then once I got to Hospital Univalle, I was put in a huge ICU room with all of the other ICU patients.  Because of this, I contracted a virus and got an infection...it was very dangerous for me.  When visitors would come, the hospital would make them wear protective clothing, but when the students would walk around during their internships, they wouldn't come in protected...I think thats how I got the virus.  Also, everyone who has a breathing tube, breathes the same oxygen.  It circulated through the ICU room to all of the patients...so everyone was breathing in the same oxygen, viruses, germs, etc.  There need to be so many improvements for the safety of the patients.  Also, the hospital only sent me to a psychologist one time.  It was in the very beginning of my hospital stay.  All I remember was sitting there in pain.  Patients need to speak to someone much more than one time...being burned its terribly traumatic and many people never overcome it.  For all of this treatment, the hospital charged me $60,000!!!!!  No one here has that kind of money...luckily the work place where I had the accident covered all of my medical bills.

     However, although the hospital was bad, the Burn Clinic and Juana were amazing.  She was always there to help me, talk to me, adjust my Pressure Suit...I was never without.  Now, I am well, living here in Cochabamba with my wife and 2 years old son.  I am able to work and live a normal life and I owe it to Juana and my Pressure Suits."

     I already know the amazing impact that my mom's ministry has had on people, but each unique story that I hear convinces me all over again.  Each story makes me more and more confident that Burn Care International is vital, not only to Cochabamba, Bolivia, but to burn victims all over the world!  These scars can handicap and destroy lives, but the Pressure Suits help these victims overcome and live normal lives!  Every person deserves good medical care, someone to talk to and the necessary items to continue to heal properly after leaving the hospital.

Please support Burn Care International so that we can continue to save lives like Javier's!!!

CLICK HERE to visit BCI's website to learn more about our important ministry.  

-You can DONATE ONLINE by scrolling to the bottom of the website and clicking the DONATE button.  

-Or you can MAIL A CHECK to:  

Burn Care International

419 Woodland Drive

Florence, SC 29501.  

All donations are tax-deductible and will change the life of a burned victim!!!

Burn Care International - Alejandra Cruz Romero

Alejandra with her younger sister.

Alejandra's accident, told by her mother:

"Six years ago, when Alejandra was three years old, she fell backwards into boiling water.  I took her immediately to Univalle Hospital and she stayed there for one week.  They didn't know how to care for her burns properly and she got worse and worse as time went on.  She developed an infection and her body kept swelling more and more.  By the time I took her out of that hospital her 2nd Degree burns had turned into 3rd Degree and her skin was coming off all over her back as if there was nothing holding it there.  

After leaving Univalle Hospital, I took Alejandra to Hospital Viedma and she was treated by Dr. Romero.  She was constantly bandaged up and began to slowly improve over the next month.  By then she was well enough to leave the hospital.

We went to Juana and Maria to get a Pressure Suit.  Alejandra had to wear it 24/7 for one year...we came back every 2 weeks to get it adjusted in the beginning, then after a while, we came back every month.  I had 10 Pressure Suits for her so that I could make sure they were always clean on her skin.  I used lots of sponge and silicon to also help the skin heal correctly, smooth and flat.

I was terrified that Alejandra was going to have Keloid scars, so I did EVERYTHING possible to keep her skin healing well.  I quit work and I didn't sleep for the first six months...my entire life revolved around Alejandra.  I watched her at every moment to make sure that she never scratched her skin.  If she started itching, I would use sprays, creams and cold water baths to hydrate and soothe the area.  I took her every day for her Physical Therapy sessions at the hospital and even signed her up to do extra therapy in the pool, since I heard it was good to keep the skin moist all of the time.  Each day after her Physical Therapy and pool time, we would come home and I would put her in a bath of Manzanilla...she basically spent that entire year in pools and tubs!  

She continued all of the therapy appointments for one and a half years.  Right after the accident, it was hard to see that my daughter couldn't move well and how painful it was for her to put on the Pressure Suit.  But, it slowly got better and better...now her skin is beautiful and she can move and play just like the other children. 

The most amazing part of her treatment was the Pressure Suit.  The Burn Clinic and Maria and Juana saved her life.  Many children don't have the Pressure Suits because their parents don't know about them or can't afford them.  Juana and Maria always helped me.  Anytime I needed them, they were there for me.  Anytime I couldn't afford to pay for something, they worked it out for me.   I had everything that I needed for my daughter to get better because of these women.  The Pressure Suits made it possible for Alejandra to move and play like the other children.  Every burned person MUST have a Pressure Suit.

I am still very careful that she does not get sunshine on the scars because I don't want her skin to discolor...other than that, she is back to normal!  I don't know why things like this happen, but I know that God always has a plan and a purpose for everything...we will just have to see what the reason was for this to happen to Alejandra."

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          After hearing the mom's account of the accident and treatment, I tried to talk to Alejandra about it.  She told me that even though she was only three, she remembers the accident, the hospital, wearing the Pressure Suit and how hard it was to move around in the beginning.  I could tell that she was going to cry so I stopped talking to her and talked to her mother again.  Her mother said that Alejandra still cannot talk about the accident without crying, but that she wrote her story down in a journal.  Her mother said that Alejandra is not like a normal child...she is always very cautious.  She thinks hard about everything she does and recognizes when something could be dangerous.  Even when her younger sister is playing, Alejandra will stop her and warn her when she is doing something that could hurt her.  So, yes, she has healed physically and her scars look wonderful.  However, after such a traumatizing event, it is hard for many people to ever be the same mentally and emotionally.  You may be healthy, but your life has been changed forever!

     People who are burned need more than just Pressure Suits...they need good nutrition, education on how to care for the burns, physical therapy and to be able to see a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist!!!  However, most people cannot afford much more than the basic hospital bills...

          Alejandra would not have healed well without the help of the Pressure Garment and Burn Care International...please help Burn Care International improve the lives of burned victims all over the world!!!

     Please CLICK HERE to visit BCI's website to learn more about our important ministry.  

-You can DONATE ONLINE by scrolling to the bottom of the website and clicking the DONATE button.  

-Or you can MAIL A CHECK to:  

Burn Care International

419 Woodland Drive

Florence, SC 29501.  

All donations are tax-deductible and will change the life of a burned victim!!!