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!

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.

• Follow Medley Zeigler Bokun on Instagram
• Read “Working Through Guilt after a Burn Injury”
• Get Amber’s “Scars are Tattoos” shirt

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.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

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!

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.

• Follow the No Handed Bandit on YouTube
• Follow the No Handed Bandit on Facebook
• Follow the No Handed Bandit on Tik Tok
• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR and become a Peer Supporter
• Subscribe to Journey Magazine
• Get Amber’s “Scars are Tattoos” shirt

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.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

Play and work with joy is a mantra Michael Van Every lives by. In today's episode, Rachel and Amber are joined by Michael, who was injured in a house fire as a child. Growing up, Michael knew he was different from his peers but never let that stop him. Over time, he found his own voice through playing sports, from the support of his parents, and believing in himself.

Now, Michael is the President and Managing Partner of Republic Urban Properties and is deeply committed to giving back. His journey has led him to reconnect with the Regional Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he was once a patient. Through fundraising events and advocacy efforts, Michael is dedicated to helping survivors overcome their emotional and mental battles. His unwavering dedication is a moving testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

⭐️ 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!

Michael Van Every is the President and Managing Partner of Republic Urban Properties, the Bay Area flagships of the Republic Family of Companies. Mr. Van Every works with Federal, State and Local governments on the creation and development of ‘smart growth’ projects, such as master-planned communities near transportation hubs; urban mixed-use projects near major employment centers; and innovative, public-private partnerships. The Republic Family of Companies is known for developing institutional-quality real estate throughout the United States, from land development, to historic adaptive reuse to shopping malls.

In his 25 years of working experience representing major institutional and private real estate developers in the greater Bay Area, Van Every has earned the reputation as a man with the leadership, the knowledge, the experience, and tenacity to see complicated projects through from land acquisition to completion. Under Van Every’s leadership, RUP has gained national attention for its Transit Orientated Development (TOD) projects at key transit stations working as the premier public-private partner with many transit authorities across California.

Since 2006, as the managing partner of RUP, Van Every has been involved with the planning, financing, construction and delivery of 1,238 multifamily units and 145,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space. In addition to the multifamily pipeline, RUP has approximately 380 hotels rooms, 151,000 square feet of office, and 120,000 square feet of retail in various stages of development. The estimated hypothetical market value among projects is projected at $1.5 billion in value.

A third-generation San Jose native, Van Every holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University at Fresno. Van Every is an active member of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and he serves as a Board Member on San Jose Stage Company. Michael is married and lives with his wife Jennifer and Jacob in the Willow Glen Neighborhood of San Jose.

• Learn more and support the “San Jose Q&A: A Trivia Showdown in Support of Burn Recovery”
• Meet the team at the Regional Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• Learn more about the Winchester Mystery House

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.

Kechi Okwuchi, a living example of resilience, faced a life-altering plane crash that left her with burns over 65% of her body. However, Kechi's story is not one of despair, but of hope and positivity.

During our live episode, Amber and Rachel caught up with Kechi and learned more about her America's Got Talent experience (including who her favorite judge is!), and what's next with her singing career. Kechi also shared her experience writing a book and tips for others who want to share their story. We closed the episode by talking about how Kechi keeps it real on social media and how she handles negative comments.

⭐️ 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!

Kechi is a Nigerian-born author and powerful singer. She is an inspirational and TEDx keynote speaker, MBA student, 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. She resumed high school in 2009 and in 2015 she graduated First Class from University of St. Thomas, Houston, with a Bachelors in Economics.

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. She became a burn survivor advocate for multiple organizations, including the hospital she herself was treated at- Shriners Burns Hospitals for Children- now Shriners Children’s TX- Galveston, Texas.

In 2019, Kechi became a finalist on the premiere season of America’s Got Talent: The Champions through Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer. Since then, she has become an active ambassador for multiple organizations such as WEMovement, Be Strong Global and the United Nations Foundation #TOGETHERBAND project, advocating for various global causes such as youth empowerment, bullying prevention advocacy, and sustainable living.

Kechi’s memoir ‘More Than My Scars’ released on March 29th, 2022 under Baker Publishing Group, and her self-titled debut album is currently streaming 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.

• Get your copy of “More Than My Scars”
• Listen to Kechi’s music
• Follow Kechi on Instagram

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.

We say it all the time: nothing heals survivors like other survivors. In today's podcast episode, Diana Tinney joins us again to discuss research, advocacy, and helping other survivors. Diana shares how she got involved with research, sheds light on common survivor struggles with nutrition, and opens up about overcoming addiction.

Upon her return from the hospital, Diana found solace in peer support visits, a transformative experience that underscored the healing power of survivors sharing their stories. This realization, coupled with her proactive curiosity, connection with the local burn care team, and the strength of peer support, propelled Diana into the realm of research and advocacy for the burn community. Over the years, she has actively participated in various research studies, including the recent CLIMB study. Her active involvement in these initiatives, irrespective of the research project or advocacy issue, has always been driven by her goal to enhance the lives of future survivors.

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!

In 2010 at the age of 54, Diana Tenney was burned 94% of her body, which consisted of mostly third degree burns. Dianna spent over a year recovering from her injury in the hospital and then went on to have reconstructive surgeries for the next seven years.

She has spent most of the last 10+ years working with other burn survivors and medical researchers. She is the past president, secretary, and treasures of Burn Survivors of New England, co-coordinator of Knowledge Translation for the Boston-Harvard Burn Model Systems, trained Phoenix Society peer supporter, previous speaker with the American Burn Association, former Wellness Room Leader at Phoenix World Burn Congress, and so much more. She is extremely active in burn research and advocacy. Diana has also been sober for many years and is active in AA.

Diana married her sweetheart, Jerry, in 2023 and has currently relocated with her husband, dog Barney, and cat Pebbles, to Tennessee to help care for her mother. Additionally, Diana is very physically active and participates in ZUMBA and yoga.

• Watch Diana’s previous episode on Youtube
• Read Diana’s book: “God Never Moved: A Couple's Journey Through Fire to Life”
• Join Vanderbilt Burn Center’s support group
• Learn more about Burn Survivors of New England
• Join Phoenix Society’s support group
• Participate in the CLIMB study by emailing bostonharvardbims@partners.org
• Explore resources from the Burns Model System
• Learn more about burns being a chronic condition
• Explore resources on nutrition for burn survivors
• Get your copy of “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions"
• Learn more about Al-Anon

Today’s podcast is powered by Johnson Controls! Johnson Controls is a global leader in fire safety and suppression technologies, helping to save lives and protect people around the world. Learn more about Johnson Controls by visiting their website: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

We're kicking off Season 5 of Girls with Grafts with a fun Q&A with your hosts, Rachel Kudlak and Amber Wilcox! Rachel and Amber start today's podcast by sharing their burn survivor stories, how they're doing now, and how they got connected with Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. They also chat about their love of reality TV before running through ten rapid-fire questions. Whether you are an OG listener or a new fan, you're bound to learn something new about the girls behind Girls with Grafts!

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!

Amber Wilcox is a burn survivor, yoga instructor, and marketing professional from Ormond Beach, Florida. After her kitchen accident in 2020, Amber faced burns on 20% of her body from a hot caramel spill. After two skin graft surgeries from Orlando Regional Burn Center, Amber experienced hypertrophic scarring and underwent a series of laser burn surgeries at Tampa General Hospital. As the Solutions Marketing Manager at United Rentals, Amber helps drive the company's growth by operationalizing the experience throughout the customer lifecycle; from prospect to delight. When not marketing, Amber enjoys volunteering for Phoenix Society as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, teaching yoga for Kula for Karma supporting youth in Florida detention centers, or providing free yoga for peers on her website, yogaamber.com.

Rachel Kudlak is a burn survivor and marketing professional residing in Charleston, South Carolina. As the Marketing Lead, Rachel manages and executes Phoenix Society’s marketing and digital strategies. She develops online marketing tactics, creates dynamic content, and maintains consistent engagement across online platforms. Before joining Phoenix Society’s team, Rachel served as the Marketing and Communications Phoenix Fellow and worked in the SEO/ORM industry. When not working, Rachel enjoys going on walks with her dog Remy, trying a new recipe, or binge-watching reality tv.

• Catch up on Girls with Grafts on YouTube
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s monthly newsletter
• Watch “Advocating for the Burn Survivor Patient”
• Watch “Parenting After a Burn Injury: Brittney & Henley Horton”
• Watch “The Latest Trends in Burn Care with Burn Surgeon and Survivor Dr. Jason Heard”
• Follow Amber on Instagram
• Sign up for Phoenix Society's support group

Ad: Today’s podcast is powered by Gropper & Nejat! Gropper & Nejat is a personal injury firm with offices in New York and New Jersey. They take pride in fighting to achieve the best results for those who have suffered fractures, surgeries, amputations, severe burns and other injuries.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

In our final episode of Season 4 of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber are joined by survivor, actor, and author J.R. Martinez. If you don't know J.R., you'll learn quickly that he is full of energy and living his best life post-burn injury – but that doesn't mean he hasn't had challenges along the way.

As humans, we often underestimate our potential, see limitations, and settle for less than we truly deserve. But setting daily intentions is a powerful tool that allows you to shift your focus from doubt to your inherent abilities, empowering you to believe in yourself and strive for more.

In this episode, we have a candid conversation with J.R. Martinez about his journey of living life with intent after a burn injury. We delve into his experiences with the grieving process, his journey to feeling confident and comfortable in his new skin, and the common concerns burn survivors face. We also touch on the pros and cons of ongoing medical procedures and the importance of decompressing and living in the moment.

Living with intent is not about grand gestures but the consistent effort to achieve something greater each day, even if it's just a tiny step. This approach can lead to significant personal growth and transformation, offering hope and encouragement on your journey.

J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran, burn survivor, actor, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, Dancing with the Stars season 13 winner, and former Phoenix World Burn Congress emcee. J.R has traveled the world speaking with troops at various bases, as well as serving as keynote speaker for numerous major corporate events, non-profits, universities and Fortune 500 companies. J.R. devotes himself to spreading his message of resilience and optimism.

• Create your Friends of Phoenix Fundraising page to help generate support for our mission.
• Join our Summer Webinar Series to hear from esteemed experts in their respective field.
• Learn more and stay connected with J.R. Martinez.
• Watch J.R. Martinez’s first appearance on Girls with Grafts on Youtube.

Today’s podcast is powered by YOU! Phoenix Society is 67% funded by donor support – that means we can’t do this work without our community. We just launched a Friends of Phoenix Campaign and encourage you to help generate additional support for our mission by creating your own fundraising page. You can learn more at www.phoenix-society.org/friends.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

If you’re subscribed to Phoenix Society’s mailing list, you’ve most likely received at least one email asking you to partake in a burn care research study. As survivors, our stories and voices are crucial in providing true lived experience on the physical, emotional, and social recovery after a burn injury. However, most studies simply ask survivors to complete a survey - and once the survey is complete, the outcomes are hard to find or even harder to understand. But Dr. Callie Thompson is on a mission to change that.

In today’s episode, Burn and Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Callie Thompson, talks about her recent burn care studies and how she involves survivors from start to finish. She also discusses why involvement throughout the entire research process is important, what factors make a “good” research project, and how other researchers can follow a similar format. Dr. Thompson also shares insight on her role as a surgeon and her passion for helping survivors thrive after a burn injury.

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!

Dr. Callie Thompson is a burn and trauma surgeon by training. She specializes in the care of the thermally injured patient and other skin and soft tissue diseases that require surgical intervention. Her research is focused on implementing changes to care delivery that improve patient-centered outcomes for burn survivors and engaging burn patients as equitable partners in the entire research process.

• Explore current research participation opportunities
• Download the 2023 State of the Survivor Report
• Explore the Journal of Burn Care & Research

Today’s podcast is powered by the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation. The D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation is dedicated to assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of injured firefighters and burn survivors. Learn more by visiting www.dcffburnfoundation.org.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.