Girls with Grafts

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Ariadna Bernal about her journey after a gas explosion left her with burns over 90% of her body. Ariadna describes her early days, starting with treatment in Mexico and then continuing her care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in California. She also shares how important her mom was, always staying by her side through everything. ❤️Together, they explore the emotional and mental side of recovery, including the moment Ariadna first connected with another burn survivor and realized she wasn’t alone. That connection became a turning point, inspiring her to give back through peer support. Ariadna explains how community, empathy, and shared experiences helped her heal in ways that medical care alone could not.Now a dedicated Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Ariadna is actively involved in the Spanish Phoenix SOAR program, helping expand access and connection for Spanish-speaking survivors and families. She is also studying Psychology, hoping to work in a clinical setting, ideally at Shriners, to support children and teens after burn injuries. Her story shows how connection can turn pain into purpose. 🌟 #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 A few years ago, Ariadna Bernal life changed completely after an explosion in her home caused by a gas buildup, which left her with severe burns over 90% of her body. It was a long and painful journey, but the unconditional support of her family and access to psychological care were key in helping her heal both physically and emotionally.Over time, she discovered the power of community by connecting with other burn survivors. Through a social worker at the hospital, she was introduced to this support network and given the opportunity to become a peer supporter. Since then, she has been actively involved, offering support through empathy and lived experience while accompanying others on their path to recovery.Ariadna is passionate about reading, music, painting on canvas, and spending time with family and friends. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, with the goal of specializing in the clinical field. Her biggest dream is to one day work at Shriners Hospital for Children, where she is also a patient, so she can support children and teenagers who, like her, have faced the impact of burn injuries. Links Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soarExplore Phoenix Society’s Spanish resources: https://www.phoenix-society.org/spanish Read “Ariadna's Path from Pain to Purpose:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/ariadnas-path-from-pain-to-purpose Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the National Fire Protection Association! NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org.Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

In this special National Volunteer Week episode of Girls with Grafts, we welcome Madeleine Carson, Director of Programs at Burns Recovered and our Volunteer of the Month. We talk about the power of community, connection, and supporting others. 🤝 Madeleine shares how she became involved in the burn survivor community—including a full-circle moment where Amber, who works at United Rentals, became part of a meaningful connection: United Rentals reached out to Madeleine at Burns Recovered to support a survivor, Amber was looped into the conversation, and together they helped move the project forward. It’s a fun, unexpected example of how small connections within our community can come together to make a real impact. Rachel and Madeleine also talk about the many programs Burns Recovered offers, including pediatric burn camps, adult retreats, and family events. They also talk about Madeleine’s role as Board President of the International Association of Burn Camps (IABC) and how working together across the burn community helps more people access these important experiences. 🏕️ The heart of this episode is the special feeling of burn camp. These camps help people form lifelong friendships, build confidence, and remind survivors they are not alone. Whether you are a volunteer, a survivor, or someone interested in helping, this conversation shows how powerful it is to show up, support others, and be part of something bigger. 💛 #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 Madeleine Carson is originally from Maryland but has called St. Louis, Missouri her home for the past 16 years. She is a clinically trained social worker and has been serving as the director of programs with Burns Recovered since 2019. Madeleine was drawn to the burn survivor community after learning about the existence of burn camps for pediatric burn survivors. Madeleine is a camp kid at heart, having attended and then worked at the same day camp in suburban Maryland for 14 consecutive summers. Madeleine is not a burn survivor herself, but she understands the healing power of being part of a community of people with shared lived experience. Since joining Burns Recovered in 2019, she has made it her mission to create open and compassionate spaces for burn survivors of all ages to gather and support one another such as a week-long pediatric burn camp, weekend-long retreats for adult burn survivors and young-adult burn survivors and a weekend-long family camp. In her free time, Madeleine serves as the Board President of the International Association of Burn Camps (IABC). Madeleine enjoys baking bread, reading, and lounging on the couch with her old dogs, Enzo and Tesla. She is so excited to watch World Cup Soccer this summer and to attend a game in Kansas City for her 40th birthday! Links Get in contact with Madeline Carson at: https://brsg.org/contact-us/ Learn more about Burns Recovered: https://brsg.org/ Learn more about their upcoming “Adult LIFE Retreat:” https://brsg.org/events/adult-retreat/ Learn more about the IABC: https://iaburncamps.org/ Explore the IABC’s directory: https://iaburncamps.org/camp-directory/ Get involved with Phoenix Society: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-volunteer-week 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. Jensen Hughes combines expert knowledge, innovative strategies, and groundbreaking research to 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.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Chris Akin, a burn survivor, entrepreneur, and media personality. Together, they discuss resilience, determination, and how to make the most of each day.Chris tells the story of the industrial explosion that caused his burn injury and describes his early days recovering in the hospital and how his determination shaped his recovery. 💪 Rachel and Chris also chat about the mindset that helped him move forward. Chris shares that he had to be selfish during recovery, focusing on whatever he needed to heal and return to life, even after being told he had little chance of survival.They also talk about Chris’s book and his journey as a writer, including what inspired him to share his story and how the experience changed his life. Chris doesn't necessarily see the accident itself as positive, but he explains that the lessons he learned from surviving it led his life in a positive direction. 💛 #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 Chris Akin is a burn survivor, author, and media personality whose life changed dramatically after a catastrophic industrial explosion in 1994 left him with burns over 69% of his body. Given little chance of survival and facing predictions of amputation and lifelong disability, Chris defied the odds and fought his way through an intense and painful recovery. In his memoir, Call Me Chris: A Tale of Healing, Recovery, Selfishness and Resolve, he shares a brutally honest account of surviving severe burns, navigating the emotional and physical realities of recovery, and rebuilding his life after trauma. Known for his candid storytelling and dark humor, Chris offers a powerful perspective on resilience, identity, and the determination it takes to move forward after a life-altering injury. Links Read “Call Me Chris: A Tale Of Healing, Recovery, Selfishness and Resolve:” https://www.amazon.com/Call-Me-Chris-Recovery-Selfishness/dp/152398838X Learn more about Akin IT Services: https://www.akinitservices.com/ Learn more about Chris’s pinball arcade: https://www.pinballpa.com/Visit Chris’s substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/ Listen to “Liming Out of the Fire:” https://cmspn.substack.com/s/limping-out-of-the-fire 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 episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn surgeon and researcher Dr. Cliff Sheckter about how to give survivors better tools and information when they are thinking about reconstructive scar surgery. 🩺 We discuss the Decision Aid for Reconstructive Scar Surgery, a new resource to help survivors decide if surgery is right for them. Dr. Sheckter explains why this tool was made, what questions it helps answer, and how it helps survivors think about both practical results and quality of life. ❓ We discuss why some survivors may feel let down even after a successful procedure and look at how expectations, identity, and healing are all closely linked. Rachel and Dr. Sheckter also look at the bigger picture, including gaps in research about scar outcomes, how “quality of life” is measured in burn recovery, and what future studies may focus on. This episode offers practical and encouraging advice to help you make choices that feel right for you. #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 Dr. Cliff Sheckter is the Burn Center Director at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, which serves the San Francisco Bay Area in burn and trauma care. He is double board certified in plastic/reconstructive surgery and surgical critical care and dedicates his practice to burn patients and survivors. He completed his medical/surgical training at USC, Stanford, and the University of Washington. Dr. Sheckter is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Stanford University and teaches medical students and residents comprehensive burn care. He is also a health policy researcher and has published multiple articles related to burn survivor quality-of-life and health economics in burn care. Links Read Dr. Sheckter “Is Scar Surgery Right for Me? A New Tool Guides Decisions Around Reconstructive Scar Surgery for Burn Survivors:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/is-scar-surgery-right-for-me-a-new-tool-guides-decisions-around Explore the American Burn Association's survivor support and aftercare resources: https://www.ameriburn.org/patients/burn-survivor-support-and-aftercare-resources Learn more about Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group Join Phoenix Society’s Facebook Group for survivors and caregivers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport 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. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

In honor of National Burn Awareness Week, Rachel and Amber sit down with burn survivor Shaun Free to talk about survival, healing, and the powerful growth that can come after trauma. Shaun shares the story of the propane explosion that changed his life, his long road through recovery, and how he reframed PTSD into what he calls post-traumatic growth. 💪 From building a propane forge and crafting knives as part of his healing, to returning to teach motorcycle safety classes just weeks after leaving the hospital, Shaun opens up about finding purpose again through creativity, service, and community. He also reflects on the mental side of recovery, his experience as a counselor at Camp Eyabsut, and what it was like to tattoo over grafted skin. With honesty, humor, and heart, Shaun’s story is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about discovering who you can become on the other side. 💛 #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #NBAW #Ameriburn ⭐️ 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 On March 13, 2018, Shaun Free survived a devastating industrial propane explosion. The 3,000-gallon delivery truck he was working beneath leaked 300 gallons of liquid propane, forming a thick, knee-high cloud that blanketed the ground. As Shaun tried to shut the main valve, something ignited the pool of gas he was lying in. In a blinding flash, his life changed forever. He crawled out from under the truck while on fire and saw widespread destruction—along with a life-saving snowbank Shaun ran to, using it to extinguish the flames. He was airlifted from Montana to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Shaun sustained burns over 46% of his body, required multiple surgeries, coded, and experienced a near-death event. He remained intubated for 10 days while battling double pneumonia, MRSA in a burn graft on his left leg, and numerous other complications that kept him in the Burn ICU for weeks. This experience revealed who he was and what he was capable of overcoming. Shaun learned how to make the most of a terrible situation, how to look beyond the chaos, and how to focus on anything that could help improve his circumstances. He now shares his journey—along with the experiences, successes, and failures that shaped his recovery—in the hope of guiding and inspiring others. Links Follow Shaun on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @Manonfiremoto Learn more about Camp Eyabsut: https://www.campeyabsut.org Watch our Girls with Grafts episode with Grace Flott: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQfyUTqTZ-k Learn more about National Burn Awareness Week: https://www.ameriburn.org/prevention/national-burn-awareness-week Learn more about Jocko Willink: https://jocko.com/ Listen to “Turtles All the Way Down” by Sturgill Simpson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWx6csgGkg4 Visit Dan Plexman’s website: https://www.danplexman.com/ Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

In the Season 7 finale of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with physical therapist, burn survivor, and clinic owner Dr. Francisco Padilla for an inspiring full-circle conversation about healing, purpose, and the power of movement. 💛 Francisco begins by sharing the story of his accident and the long road through recovery, including the pivotal role physical therapy played in his healing. He opens up about the PT mentors who believed in him, encouraged him to return to school, and ultimately inspired him to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The conversation then turns to his journey from patient to practitioner. Francisco reflects on opening his own practice, the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with clients, and what he’s learned about supporting people through some of the hardest chapters of their lives. 💪 He also offers practical tips for survivors who feel stuck in their healing journey and breaks down different PT strategies and modalities that can support mobility, confidence, and long-term recovery. This episode wraps our season with a powerful reminder: healing isn’t linear, but with persistence, guidance, and community, transformation is possible! 🎉 #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 Francisco Padilla, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, is the owner of Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness Incorporated in Wasco, California. In 2012, Francisco survived a severe car accident that left him with burns covering 80% of his body, necessitating 30 surgeries and a 10-and-a-half-month hospitalization. His extensive recovery journey inspired him to return to school, ultimately leading to his career as a physical therapist. Francisco is dedicated to helping others regain full function and is passionate about educating people on the benefits of health and wellness. Links 👉Follow Francisco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscopadillapt/?hl=en 👉Follow Francisco’s Practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padillaphysicaltherapy/?hl=en 👉Visit Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness Incorporated’s website: https://padillaphysicaltherapy.com/ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the supporters who empower Phoenix World Burn Congress and Phoenix Society’s work all year long. Organizations like the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, the Akron Children’s Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute and the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation play a vital role by helping survivors and families attend Phoenix WBC through travel and financial assistance. Their generosity ensures that more people can experience the connection, support, and community that help us all rise together. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with Dr. Kenny Tello, Corporate Director of Team Member Well-Being at Orlando Health, where he leads initiatives that empower people, elevate leaders, and build cultures rooted in care, connection, and transformation. Together, we dive into the healing world of pet therapy! 🐾 Dr. Tello helps us understand the science behind pet therapy, the importance of proper pet handling and program design, and the emotional benefits that animals offer in restoring trust, reducing anxiety, and supporting trauma recovery. He also offers practical guidance for anyone interested in launching a pet therapy program—from safety and structure to purpose and impact. Join us as Dr. Tello helps us rethink care, embrace empathy, and explore how even four paws can help transform the human spirit! 🐶 #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 Dr. Kenny Tello serves as the Corporate Director of Team Member Well-Being at Orlando Health, where he leads initiatives that empower team members and equip leaders to foster a culture of care and organizational transformation. With over 20 years of clinical experience and extensive research in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Leadership, he is recognized as an expert in mental health and human performance. Dr. Tello has been instrumental in developing nationally recognized programs and has consulted globally on critical incident protocols. Dr. Tello continues to champion science-based strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive. Links 👉 Read Dr. Tello’s article “Pet Therapy as a Healing Art: How Animals Help Us Heal in Hospitals:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/pet-therapy-as-a-healing-art-how-animals-help-us-heal-in-hospitals 👉 Read “One Family, Two Dogs, and a Whole Lot of Love:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/one-family-two-dogs-and-a-whole-lot-of-love 👉 Read “FAQ: Pets at Home After Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/faq-pets-at-home-after-burn-injury 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.

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of Girls with Grafts—and we couldn’t think of a better guest to mark this milestone than our friend and returning guest, Kechi Okwuchi! 🎉 In this special episode, Amber and Rachel look back at how the podcast began, the stories that shaped it, and the incredible community that has grown around it. Then we catch up with Kechi, who brings her warmth, honesty, and humor to a conversation that reminds us why this community matters so much. Together, we explore what it means to surround yourself with the right people, how community lifts us through every chapter, and the shared resilience. 💪 This episode is a celebration of every listener, every survivor, every supporter, and every story shared along the way. Here’s to 100 episodes—and the community that makes it all possible! 🫶 #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 Kechi is a Nigerian-born author and powerful singer. She is an inspirational and TEDx keynote speaker, MBA graduate, and bullying prevention advocate. Her dramatic story, as well as her impactful messages of resiliency and overcoming combine powerfully to inspire personal and cultural transformation. Kechi found her true voice after her accident- a plane crash that took the lives of 107 of 109 passengers in Nigeria in 2005. Throughout the difficult journey of burns recovery, Kechi was sustained by her Christian faith, her family and her music. Becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent 2017 was Kechi’s truest dream realized, and on June 10th 2018, she released her debut single, ‘Don’t You Dare’ on all digital music platforms. Kechi hopes to use her voice and her story to ignite hope all over the world within those that need it. Links 👉 Follow Kechi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kechiofficial/?hl=en 👉 Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc 👉 Make a Giving Tuesday gift: https://give.phoenix-society.org/campaign/748897/donate 👉 Share your story with Phoenix Society: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/triptych-october-eom 👉 Listen to “Healing Hands: Pediatric Burn Care & Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Shaun Mendenhall:” https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/healing-hands-pediatric-burn-care-reconstructive-surgery/id1646466634?i=1000693641360 👉 Follow Dr. Shaun Mendenhall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedshanddoc/?hl=en Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Summit Fire Consulting, a national fire protection engineering and code consulting firm dedicated to helping people design and maintain complex buildings. Their team of experts interpret modern fire and building codes, design fire suppression and smoke management systems, assess risk, and ensure means of egress are safe in a wide variety of facilities—from healthcare, industrial, and historical buildings to stadiums and multi-family housing. 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 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

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 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.