It was in December of 1964, that I, being an active and "helpful " twenty-one month old, decided to help my parents out with delivering my infant brother's recently warmed bottle. My efforts resulted in 34% of my body being burned, second and third degree, by scalding water. My parents immediately rushed me to the emergency room, where I was treated and sent home, only to return days later with severe infections, including pneumonia. I was hospitalized, specialists were consulted, surgery dates set, and thus began my long journey. The following twenty years were filled with surgeries, treatments, casts, and pain. Pain found its home in both my physical and emotional existence. My parents vainly sought out anyone that might provide some "normalcy" to their child's life, doctors, therapists, and clinics became familiar sights. I was normal, just burned. It's hard for parents to accept the fact that they cannot "fix" their beloved children. For all of our incredible medical breakthroughs there remains to be a cure for burns.

I have emerged from this lifelong lesson full of empathy and strength. This accident could have halted my life, instead it has enabled me to find the "silver lining" in even the worst of circumstances. Since 1998, I have been devoted to helping burn survivors deal with their accidents, and return to productive lives. My time spent volunteering on the Brooke Army Medical Center Burn Unit serves as a constant reminder to me that my accident had a very special purpose, lest I forget.

My professional life was full of rewards, and I credit a large portion of that success to the fortitude born out of my experience. Personally my life is very busy and fulfilling. The mother of three children, life is good, and a little bit crazy some days!

My time spent with patients and families on the unit has led to the growth and development of several burn supportprograms, including the Moonlight Fund. There are many needs to be met, and I hope that in my lifetime we will grow to meet some of those needs, and in turn pass on the desire for benevolence to others who will assist in this mission.