Girls with Grafts

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Non-Profit

Girls with Grafts is a podcast hosted by Amber Wilcox and Rachel Kudlak, Burn Survivors, and supporters of the nonprofit, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The Girls with Grafts podcast is for burn survivors, caregivers, hospital staff, and corporate partners in the burn community. Hear in-depth conversations about burn survivor stories, gain resources for managing a burn injury, hear up-to-date information about Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors community news, and listen in on burn prevention and advocacy information.

  1. Choice, Comfort, and Courage: Helping Children Visit a Loved One in the Burn Center

    Jun 23

    Choice, Comfort, and Courage: Helping Children Visit a Loved One in the Burn Center

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Abby Horton, MS, CCLS, a Certified Child Life Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting children and families through burn injuries and medical trauma. Abby's work spans pediatric burn care, inpatient rehabilitation, and critical care, and she brings that depth of experience to a conversation about one of the challenges families navigating a burn injury often face: how to prepare children for a visit to the burn center. 🏥 Drawing on her recent article in Journey Magazine, "Preparing Siblings and Children of Burn Survivors for a Burn Center Visit," Abby walks through why giving children a sense of choice and control matters so much, how caregivers can tell whether a child is ready to visit, and age-appropriate ways to talk about burn injuries and hospitalization. 🗣️ She also speaks candidly about the sibling experience—the fear, confusion, and guilt that can surface—along with the behavioral changes caregivers might see at home, from regression to withdrawal, and how to respond with patience rather than panic. Whether you're a parent, a sibling, or someone who simply wants to better support a family going through this, Abby offers grounded, compassionate guidance for helping the youngest members of a burn survivor's circle feel seen, prepared, and cared for. ❤️ #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 Abby Horton, MS, CCLS, is a Certified Child Life Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting children and families impacted by burn injuries and medical trauma. Her work spans pediatric burn care, inpatient rehabilitation, and critical care, with a focus on trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate support, school re-entry, and family-centered programming. She continues to work in both hospital and community settings, including private practice, extending burn-informed care beyond the hospital.   Links Read Abby’s article “Preparing Siblings and Children of Burn Survivors for a Burn Center Visit: A Child Life Perspective:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/preparing-siblings-and-children-of-burn-survivors-for-a-burn-center-visitLearn more and read Sara’s STEPS: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/saras-stepsRead “Supporting Siblings of Children with Burn Injuries:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/supporting-siblings-of-children-with-burn-injuries Read “More Than Just Camp: How Pediatric Burn Camps Foster Healing, Belonging, and Growth:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/more-than-just-camp-how-pediatric-burn-camps-foster-healing-belonging-and-growth  Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the Pritzker Hageman Law Firm! The Pritzker Hageman burn injury legal team helps burn survivors and their loved ones pursue compensation and justice throughout the United States. Learn more at: LegalJourney.guide. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    58 min
  2. Answering the Call: Damon Spring on Firefighting, Recovery, and Giving Back

    Jun 16

    Answering the Call: Damon Spring on Firefighting, Recovery, and Giving Back

    When Damon Spring joined his local volunteer fire department, he was answering a call to serve his community. 🚒 During his rookie year, that calling changed his life forever. On August 18, 2018, Damon was caught in a wildfire burnover sparked by a helicopter crash, an event that would come to be known as the Sheep Creek Fire. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Damon to talk about what drew him to firefighting, the day everything changed, and the long road of physical and emotional recovery that followed. Damon opens up about the hardest stretch of his journey—years two through five post-injury—and the support that carried him through it. Now eight years into his firefighting career and a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Damon is turning his experience into hope for others. ❤️ He recently launched Scar Warriors, a social media community where he shares his story and offers encouragement to fellow survivors and anyone struggling with their mental health. #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 Damon Spring is 29 years old and has been a volunteer firefighter for 8 years. During his rookie year, he was involved in a wildfire burnover sparked by a helicopter crash on August 18th, 2018, later known as the Sheep Creek Fire. Damon became a peer supporter for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors because he wanted to help other survivors — something he hopes to continue growing in. He recently started a social media page called "Scar Warriors" as a way to share his story, help others, and offer a little hope to fellow survivors or anyone who's struggling mentally. Links Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery): https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soarFollow Scar Warriors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarwarriors/ Join Phoenix Society’s next Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group Request a one-on-one peer support visit: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/peer-support-request  Podcast Sponsor Today's podcast is powered by Summit Fire Consulting, a national fire protection engineering and code consulting firm helping people design and maintain complex buildings. Their experts interpret fire and building codes, design suppression and smoke management systems, and ensure safe egress in everything from healthcare facilities and historic buildings to stadiums and multi-family housing. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    34 min
  3. The Science of Staying Cool: Dr. Craig Crandall and the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator

    Jun 10

    The Science of Staying Cool: Dr. Craig Crandall and the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator

    Heat hits differently when you're a burn survivor—and this week, we're getting into the science behind why. ☀️ Rachel and Amber sit down with Dr. Craig Crandall, Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Director of the Thermal and Vascular Physiology Laboratory at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. For over 20 years, Dr. Crandall has been continuously funded by the NIH to study the long-term thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects of severe burn injuries and he brings all of that expertise to the table in this conversation. We dig into how Dr. Crandall first found his way into burn research, what actually happens in a survivor's body during heat stress, and why heat tolerance looks so different after a burn injury. From there, we walk through the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator—breaking down what each input means (think TBSA, burn location, body weight, activity level, and more) and why it matters for your safety. We also cover cooling strategies, why your heart rate might spike in the heat, and the critical role hydration plays in regulating your body temperature. 🏃 We highly recommend watching this one on YouTube for the full experience!   #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 Craig Crandall is a professor of Internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is the director of the Thermal and Vascular Physiology laboratory at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. For over 20 years he has been continuously funded by the NIH to assess the long-term thermoregulatory and cardiovascular consequences of severe burn injuries.   Links Access the Heat Rick Calculator: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-survivor-heat-risk-calculator Visit the Thermal & Vascular Physiology Laboratory website: https://www.texashealth.org/ieem/Research/Thermal-and-Vascular-Physiology-Laboratory Contact Craig & his team: ieemthermoregulationthd@texashealth.org  Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)! BCEN is committed to advancing burn care through the Certified Burn Registered Nurse, or CBRN, credential — a certification designed to recognize specialized knowledge and expertise across the burn care continuum. Learn more by visiting https://bcen.org. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    58 min
  4. A Son and Father’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Life After a Burn Injury

    Jun 4

    A Son and Father’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Life After a Burn Injury

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Dr. Charles McKenzie and his son, Scott, to talk about burn recovery, family support, and the lasting impact of community.❤️ Scott was just 10 years old when he survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks at the Arizona Burn Center. Now a 17-year-old high school senior, rugby player, and outdoor adventurer, Scott reflects on his injury, returning to school, and the incredible support he received from family, friends, and his community—including a memorable school drop-off in a Ferrari from fellow local survivor Jason! 🚗 Charlie talks about his experience as both a parent and a pediatric dentist. He also discusses how Scott’s recovery inspired him to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns. Together, Scott and Charlie share advice for parents and caregivers, what it means to give back, and how the burn community continues to show resilience, connection, and the power of living full lives after injury. ✨ To learn more about Charlie’s work with specialized oral appliances for facial burns, visit Kenzie Therapy at kenzietherapy.com  #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 Guests Dr. Charles McKenzie is a pediatric dentist at Valleywise Health, home of the Arizona Burn Center—and he’s joining us today alongside his son, Scott. Scott is a 17-year-old high school senior, outdoor adventurer, rugby player, and all-around fixer who’s known for his kindness and inclusivity. When he was just 10 years old, Scott survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks in the burn center. That life-changing experience shaped both of their paths. While Scott grew into the resilient, community-minded teen he is today, Dr. McKenzie combined his experience as a father and a dentist to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns—work he now continues as part of the hospital burn care team.   Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Cunningham Law Firm! Located in Phoenix, Arizona and helping clients nationwide, the Cunningham Law Firm specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and burn related cases. Learn more by visiting https://cunninghamlawfirm.com.   Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    53 min
  5. You Are Uniquely You: Celebrating Face Equality Week with Phyllida Swift

    May 12

    You Are Uniquely You: Celebrating Face Equality Week with Phyllida Swift

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber welcome Phyllida Swift, CEO of Face Equality International, for a special episode celebrating Face Equality Week. 💛 Phyllida shares her journey to becoming a global advocate for face equality and why this work is deeply personal and meaningful to her. Together, they explore what face equality really means—and why it matters for burn survivors and anyone living with a visible difference. The conversation dives into this year’s Face Equality Week theme, hospitality, and what it looks like to create spaces where everyone feels truly welcomed, respected, and included, whether in restaurants, workplaces, or daily life. Phyllida also shares cultural views on facial differences from around the world and recent global wins that are changing perceptions and making a difference. 🌎 This episode reminds us that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included just as they are!  #SeenAndServed #FaceEqualityWeek #FEW #IFEW #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 Phyllida Swift is an appearance activist and the CEO of Face Equality International, an NGO campaigning to end the discrimination and indignity experienced by the global facial difference community. After sustaining facial scars in a car accident in 2016, she set out to reshape the negative narratives that dictate the public perception of scars and disfigurements. Her TEDX explores the harms caused by disproportionately poor media representation of facial difference via villains and vulnerable people on screen.    Links Get involved and learn more about Face Equality Week: https://faceequalityinternational.org/about-fei/international-face-equality-week/Visit Face Equality International’s website: https://faceequalityinternational.org/Learn more about face equality: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/what-is-face-equality  Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Kerecis! From a small town in northwest Iceland, Kerecis develops, manufactures, and sells patented fish-skin soft tissue regeneration products. Kerecis GraftGuide is their intact fish-skin especially developed for the management of burn wounds. Learn more about Kerecis by checking out their website www.kerecis.com or reach out to info@kerecis.com if you are interested in using their products. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    48 min
  6. Finding Strength in Connection: Ariadna’s Journey from Survivor to Supporter

    May 5

    Finding Strength in Connection: Ariadna’s Journey from Survivor to Supporter

    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.

    40 min
  7. Your Injury Doesn’t Define You—It Can Be a Catalyst for Change with Kelsay Parrott

    Apr 21

    Your Injury Doesn’t Define You—It Can Be a Catalyst for Change with Kelsay Parrott

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn survivor Kelsay Parrott about healing that goes beyond the physical and finding purpose in pain. 🩷 Kelsay shares her story of being burned at four years old and how, for many years, she focused on physical recovery without fully addressing the mental and emotional effects of her injury. She explains what it was like to finally start deeper healing and how it changed her life. The conversation shows the power of connection, from the community she found at burn camp to the time she secretly signed herself and her mom up for Phoenix World Burn Congress. That choice became a turning point, giving her a sense of belonging, support, and a place where she felt understood. Kelsay also explains how her experiences led her to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry focused on trauma and disability. Now, she uses her story to support others in recovery. She believes that even the most painful experiences can lead to 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 Kelsay Parrott is a burn survivor whose story began at the age of four when she was severely burned in a candle accident and given less than a 5% chance of survival. After enduring the physical trauma of her injuries, she later faced the unseen battle of the mental and emotional aftermath. Through finally receiving the support and care she needed, Kelsay began a journey of healing that transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she strives to be a beacon of hope for others walking through trauma and recovery. Kelsay holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with a focus on trauma and disability. She regularly writes on her blog, *Healing a Burned Soul*, where she shares encouragement, faith, and insights for those navigating the complexities of trauma. She is also currently working toward launching a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and support for trauma survivors, caregivers, first responders, and others impacted by trauma. Kelsay's life motto is "if my pain can change one person's life, it was all worth it." Links Read Kelsay’s blog: https://www.healingburnedsoul.com/ Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc Join our Facebook group for burn survivors and loved ones: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport Find a burn camp near you: https://iaburncamps.org/   Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a community of VW bus enthusiasts based in West Michigan. They come together to camp, host amazing events, and raise funds to support Phoenix Society. And mark your calendars for the 2026 Bus Benefit, happening May 22nd-25th in Trufant, Michigan.  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    52 min
  8. The Magic of Showing Up: Volunteerism & Burn Camp with Madeleine Carson

    Apr 21

    The Magic of Showing Up: Volunteerism & Burn Camp with Madeleine Carson

    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.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Girls with Grafts is a podcast hosted by Amber Wilcox and Rachel Kudlak, Burn Survivors, and supporters of the nonprofit, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The Girls with Grafts podcast is for burn survivors, caregivers, hospital staff, and corporate partners in the burn community. Hear in-depth conversations about burn survivor stories, gain resources for managing a burn injury, hear up-to-date information about Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors community news, and listen in on burn prevention and advocacy information.

Information

  • Creator
    Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Girls with Grafts

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