Girls with Grafts

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
  • 5.0 (29)
  • NON-PROFIT
Girls with Grafts

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. Building A Safer Future: A Conversation with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes

    3 DAYS AGO

    Building A Safer Future: A Conversation with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, host Rachel sits down with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, to delve into the inspiring new partnership between Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Raj begins by sharing his professional journey in the fire engineering industry and what drew him to this critical field. He also recounts his impactful first connection with the Phoenix Society, including a transformative experience at the Phoenix World Burn Congress, and how everything fell into place to bring about this meaningful collaboration. Together, Rachel and Raj explore the shared mission of both organizations: to support burn survivors and promote a safer, more resilient world. They discuss the tangible ways this partnership aims to advance fire prevention and safety standards, as well as the powerful role community plays in recovery and empowerment. Tune in to hear how Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society are coming together to make a lasting difference for burn survivors and set a new standard for fire safety! ⭐️ 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 As CEO of Jensen Hughes, a global market leader, Raj Arora guides the company’s rapid expansion while ensuring a steadfast commitment to technical excellence and exceptional client service. Through his leadership, he has transformed the company culture, helping to accelerate growth and inspire its 1,700+ engineers, consultants, data scientists and functional experts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that make our world safe, secure and resilient. Throughout his two decades in the fire, security and risk engineering industry, Raj has built a reputation as a skilled engineer and a strategic business leader with a passion for fostering a positive organizational culture. Earlier in his career, Raj held leadership positions as Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls’ $1 billion Fire Detection and Special Hazard Product division, headquartered in Switzerland. As an equity partner at Arora Engineers, he helped catapult the firm from a small operation to an industry leader in MEP Engineering within the aviation and rail industries. Raj is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. Over the course of his career, he’s received multiple awards, including Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Top 40 Under 40 honor and Early Career and Distinguished Alumni awards from his alma mater. Moreover, he was recognized at Tyco with prestigious performance awards for accountability, teamwork and technical acumen. He currently serves as a board director for the National Fire Protection Association. Links Visit Jensen Hughes website: https://www.jensenhughes.com/ Follow Jensen Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jensen-hughes Sign up for Phoenix Society’s newsletter: https://www.phoenix-society.org/email-signup Watch the “Healing Power of Laughter:” https://resources.phoenix-society.org/resource-marketplace/the-healing-power-of-laughter Watch Danny Gropper’s Girls with Grafts episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avPdtjEUiXQ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering since 1939. Their diverse team of more than 1,700 engineers, scientists, and consultants tackles complex risk, safety, and security challenges, helping clients protect lives, property, and reputations. Together, they blend expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge research to make the world safe, secure, and resilient. Learn more by visiting www.jensenhughes.com. Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    40 min
  2. Holding on to Faith, Leaning on Family With Kimaree Lewis, a Mother of a Burn Survivor

    NOV 12

    Holding on to Faith, Leaning on Family With Kimaree Lewis, a Mother of a Burn Survivor

    In this heartfelt episode, Rachel and Amber sit down with Kimaree Lewis, the resilient mother of a burn survivor, to hear her powerful story of navigating trauma, healing, and hope. Kimaree opens up about the day her family's life changed forever, her son and family's emotional and physical challenges, and how her family's faith got them through the toughest times. Join us as Kimaree shares insights on caring for her family and also herself, how giving back as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter has impacted both her and her son, and her advice for other caregivers. Tune in to hear how one mother's journey can offer hope to anyone facing life's most challenging moments. 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 Kimaree Lewis is the mother of five children and the wife to an awesome husband. She is a Human Resources Manager and in 2024, she received the Human Resources Professional of the year. Kimaree lives by the motto: “Lead others to look up to the person they see in the mirror.” She wants to help others create a reflection that they are proud of and a shadow they don't mind lurking behind them. Helping people is her passion and she feels full and accomplished when she knows she’s helped better another's situation or circumstance. Links Watch our latest podcast episode with physical therapist, Ingrid Parry, where we talk about the importance of movement in burn recovery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCNBFMtTUkQ Read “Me, Enough? A Sibling's Story of Becoming Free of Guilt and Shame,” where Katherine Hill shares her journey of letting go of the shame and guilt she felt after living through a house fire that injured her twin sister: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/me-enough-a-siblings-story-of-becoming-free-of-guilt-and-shame Read “Self-Care for Caregivers:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/selfcare-for-caregivers Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) and how to become a trained Peer Supporter: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar 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. Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    1h 5m
  3. Honoring the First World Burns Week on a Global Scale

    NOV 5

    Honoring the First World Burns Week on a Global Scale

    It's World Burns Week, and today's podcast episode features a special takeover by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors' CEO, Amy Acton! Amy, who has been actively representing the organization on the World Burns Week steering committee, welcomes two incredible guests from Nigeria: Dr. Onuh and Patience. Dr. Onuh is a passionate and skilled surgeon dedicated to advancing burn care, while Patience is a courageous burn survivor eager to share her story. World Burns Week envisions a future where burns are prevented and everyone—no matter their location, income, gender, age, or ability—has access to timely and effective care. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Onuh and Patience discuss the realities of burn care in Nigeria and survivors' unique challenges in achieving equitable treatment. As a special surprise, Patience's role model, Kechi, joins the conversation, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable moment. Listen in today to learn more about World Burns Week and discover ways to get involved in the global movement to reduce inequality in burn care and support survivors worldwide! 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. Onuh is a dedicated burn, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon from Nigeria with a passion for burn care. She advocates for multidisciplinary burn care and is actively involved in managing burn patients. Dr. Onuh is also committed to research, education, and prevention to reduce the burden of burns in her country. Through her work, she aims to improve outcomes for burn patients, burn survivors and advance the field of burn care. Patience is also from Nigeria and sustained a burn injury not that long ago. Links Learn more about World Burns Week: https://worldburn.org/world_burns_week.aspx Watch our latest Girls with Grafts episode featuring Kechi! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLpqfJ4v30 Sign up for Phoenix Society’s newsletter: https://www.phoenix-society.org/email-signup Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    37 min
  4. Exercise is a Medicine with Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Researcher, Ingrid Parry

    OCT 24

    Exercise is a Medicine with Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Researcher, Ingrid Parry

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber, and Rachel are joined by the incredible Ingrid Parry, a passionate physical therapist and rehabilitation researcher with years of experience supporting burn survivors on their recovery journey. Ingrid's unique perspective, gained from her extensive research and leadership roles, adds a valuable dimension to our discussion. Together, we explore physical therapy's vital role in burn recovery, the importance of exercise and movement, and the benefits of yoga. Ingrid also shares insights from her numerous research projects, her work with Cutaneous Functional Units (CFUs), and her time as president of the American Burn Association (ABA). Tune in for practical insights, inspiration, and tips on integrating movement into your burn recovery! ⭐️ 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 Ingrid Parry MS, PT, BT-C, PhD candidate, is a Physical Therapist and a Rehabilitation Researcher at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Northern California, and the University of California, Davis. She has worked in burn care for 29 years. Her study interests are diverse within burn rehabilitation and include facial scar management, cutaneous functional units, burn scar contracture, pediatric burn rehabilitation, and early exercise with burn survivors. In 2022-23, she was named president of the American Burn Association as the first non-surgeon to lead the organization. She has published over 53 peer-reviewed publications and volunteers extensively with various domestic and international burn organizations. She is presently working on her Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis, School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership with a focus on using cutaneous functional units to predict contracture risk. In her free time, Ingrid enjoys yoga, dancing, paddleboarding and loves to travel with her husband and three sons. Links Read “The Miracle of Yoga for Burn Survivors” https://phoenix-society.org/resources/the-soul-saving-miracle-of-yoga Learn more and Ingrid Parry and her role with ABA https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/news-and-media/news/2022/04/ingrid-parry-named-president-of-american-burn-association Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a group of VW bus lovers, based in West Michigan. They camp, host events, and raise funds for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Learn more about them and save the dates for their 2025 events by visiting https://busesbythebeach.org/. Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    59 min
  5. A Fire Prevention Week Special: Commercial Fire Safety 101 with Steve Rice from Summit Fire & Security

    OCT 8

    A Fire Prevention Week Special: Commercial Fire Safety 101 with Steve Rice from Summit Fire & Security

    In this special Girls with Graft episode, we’re spotlighting Fire Prevention Week with Phoenix Partner Summit Fire & Security! Rachel sits down with Steve Rice, a seasoned expert with years of experience as the Operations Manager of the Installation Department at Summit Fire & Security, to discuss all things commercial fire safety. Steve shares practical information on how Summit Fire & Security works with commercial spaces to design, install, and maintain fire systems. He provides valuable insights on prevention systems, the importance of routine safety checks, and what you need to know to stay safe in commercial spaces. Whether at work, staying at a hotel, or going out to eat, this episode equips you with critical information to help you be prepared and protect what matters most. Fire Prevention Week 2024 This year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Learn more about FPW and how to keep you and your family safe by visiting: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week 🔗 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 With a robust 22-year tenure in the fire protection industry, Steve Rice brings a wealth of experience to the table. Currently serving as the Operations Manager of the Installation Department at Summit Fire & Security in Cleveland, Ohio, he has been instrumental in overseeing all installs and major repairs in Northern Ohio since 2005. Previously, he worked as a fire protection systems installer for Custom Engineered Fire Systems in Willoughby, Ohio. Steve holds many specialized trainings and certifications such as NICET III Special Hazard Suppression Systems, NICET III Fire Alarm Systems, OSHA 30 Safety Trained, Previously Wind Energy Competent Climber Certified, Vice Chair of the Installers Division for the FSSA (Fire Suppression Systems Association)(Previously the Program Committee Chair for five years), Committee Member of the NFPA 409, 415 and 423 - Standards on Aircraft Hangars, Manufacturer Training from many companies such as Notifier, Ansul, Firetrace, Kidde, Minimax, Janus, and Hochiki. Links Learn more about Summit Fire & Security: www.summitfiresecurity.com Learn more about Fire Prevention Week: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week Find your nearest Summit Fire & Security location: https://summitfiresecurity.com/locations/?address= Learn more about the Fire Suppression Systems Association: https://www.fssa.net/ Get involved with Phoenix Society’s advocacy efforts: https://www.phoenix-society.org/become-an-advocate Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Summit Fire & Security! Summit Fire & Security is your trusted partner for all your fire protection and life safety needs. From fire extinguishers and alarms to security systems, suppression solutions, and special hazard protection, Summit Fire & Security supports you at every stage—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and inspections. Ensure your business is fully protected and compliant with Summit Fire & Security by your side. Learn more by visiting www.summitfiresecurity.com Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    57 min
  6. The Anatomy of a Burn Injury Case with Jason Nelson and Matt Cunningham

    OCT 1

    The Anatomy of a Burn Injury Case with Jason Nelson and Matt Cunningham

    In today's episode, Rachel and Amber sit down with burn survivor Jason Nelson and experienced burn injury attorney Matt Cunningham to explore the complexities of navigating a burn injury legal case. Jason shares his inspiring story of resilience and recovery, showcasing firsthand how you can turn a tragedy into triumph. Matt provides expert legal insight, breaking down the anatomy of a burn injury lawsuit—from the importance of contacting an attorney quickly and assessing damages to the critical steps in building a strong case. Together, they shed light on the challenges survivors and families face and how the legal system can offer a lifetime of support. Tune in to learn about the intersection of personal experience and legal expertise in burn injury cases and how justice can help rebuild lives. 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 Matt Cunningham is a trial attorney who has been handling burn injury cases for over 25 years. He is recognized as one of the top burn injury lawyers in the United States. He is the owner and President of the Cunningham Law Firm which is recognized as America’s top burn injury law firm. Since 1996, Matt and the Cunningham Law Firm have represented over 124 clients involving burn related injuries. Matt is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, American Burn Association, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, and previously a guest speaker at the North American Burn Society. During his career he has obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlements involving burn related injuries. In 2008 he obtained the highest burn injury verdict in Arizona state history. Matt and the Cunningham Law Firm are recognized as true advocates on behalf of burn survivors, their families, and generously supports the work of burn foundations across the United States. Matt is recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, Best Lawyers of America, Elite Lawyers of America, Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, and Southwest Super Lawyers. Dr. Kevin Foster, Director of the Arizona Burn Center, stated about Matt, “Matt Cunningham has earned the respect of the burn community through his hard work, compassion, and deep understanding of the true impact of burn injuries.” Matt is honored to be a part of the burn community and a champion of justice for burn survivors and their families. Jason Nelson, a Phoenix, Arizona native, experienced a life-altering event on February 9, 2014. A natural gas explosion in a rental home he owned left him with a staggering 80% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burn. The trauma was immense, but Jason's resilience shone through. After enduring countless surgeries, enduring grueling therapy sessions, and navigating the long road to recovery, Jason found a purpose beyond his own healing. Driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to the organizations and individuals who supported him through his ordeal, he dedicated his life to advocating for burn survivors. Jason's involvement with the Arizona Burn Foundation is a testament to his commitment. As a member of the Board of Directors, he actively contributes to shaping the foundation's mission and strategies. His personal experience provides invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by burn survivors, enabling him to advocate for programs and initiatives that address their needs effectively. Moreover, Jason's fundraising efforts have been instrumental in generating over a million dollars to support burn survivors' journeys. His passion and dedication have inspired others to contribute to this worthy cause, ensuring that burn victims receive the necessary resources to thrive. Jason Nelson's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. His unwavering commitment to helping others recover

    55 min
  7. We Can Do Hard Things with Medley Zeigler Bokun

    SEP 17

    We Can Do Hard Things with Medley Zeigler Bokun

    Medley Zeigler Bokun and her husband, Kevin, were just three weeks into their marriage when tragedy struck, and they were both involved in a home gas explosion. The two newlyweds found themselves spending what typically is considered the "honeymoon phase" in the ICU. In today's podcast episode, Medley joins Rachel and Amber to talk about her burn injury, the struggles she faced after going home from the hospital, and how she and Kevin navigated their journeys with their unwavering family and friends by their side. ❤️ We also chat about motherhood and fears Medley had before having her son Levi, the common struggle of overheating, and the fantastic drink Body Armor. Tune in today to see how Medley truly embodies the word resilient! ⭐️ 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 Medley Zeigler Bokun, BSN, RN graduated from nursing school at Southeastern Louisiana University at the end of 2017 and immediately began her career at a Women’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA working as a med-surg and oncology nurse. In June of 2019 she married her wonderful husband, who at the time was a third year medical student. Just three short weeks after their wedding, they were in a gas explosion in their home. It was nearly fatal for both of them, but Medley especially sustained second, but mostly third degree burns across 96% of her body. Her chance of survival was not high, but God had other plans. Now Medley and her husband, Kevin, feel that God has called them from a place of medical ministry to a ministry that’s focused on spiritual and emotional healing. Medley and her husband now travel and speak at conferences, churches and social gatherings sharing their story of survival. And most recently in February of 2024, they welcomed their first baby into the world, a sweet baby boy named Levi. Links Follow Medley Zeigler Bokun on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/medleyregan/?hl=en Read “Working Through Guilt after a Burn Injury” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/working-through-guilt-after-a-burn-injury Get Amber’s “Scars are Tattoos” shirt https://www.bonfire.com/store/phoenix-society/ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Exsurco Medical! Exsurco engineers high precision products for both the healthcare and tissue bank professionals and are dedicated to advancing the healing power of skin to patients who need it the most. Learn more at www.Exsurco.com. Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    55 min
  8. No Hands? No Problem! How to Live Life to the Fullest with Samoana Matagi

    SEP 10

    No Hands? No Problem! How to Live Life to the Fullest with Samoana Matagi

    What's something that rhymes with no-handed? Bandit! In today's podcast episode, podcast hosts Rachel and Amber are joined by Samoana Matagi, better known as the No-Handed Bandit. Sam talks about the high-voltage electrical accident that caused him to lose both arms and how the No-Handed Bandit was born. We also chat about Sam's first time through a toll booth, his recent encounter with a moose, his experiences wakeboarding, and the power of peer support. Tune in today! ⭐️ 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 Samoana Matagi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 2004. After two years in the field of Broadcast Journalism, he changed career paths to a high-voltage electrical line worker. Three years into his apprenticeship, he was involved in an electrical work accident that cost him his hands. He then became critically acclaimed for his recovery story, which drove him to create a YouTube channel to help other amputees. Now, he speaks to audiences about resilience. Learn more at www.nohandedbandit.com or by connecting with him on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. Links Follow the No Handed Bandit on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thenohandedbandit Follow the No Handed Bandit on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheNoHandedBandit Follow the No Handed Bandit on Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/no-handed-bandit Learn more about Phoenix SOAR and become a Peer Supporter https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar Subscribe to Journey Magazine https://www.phoenix-society.org/journey-magazine Get Amber’s “Scars are Tattoos” shirt https://www.bonfire.com/store/phoenix-society/ Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by UL Solutions! A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    56 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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Girls with Grafts

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