Why I created the Child Burn Foundation

Three years ago on a beautiful Saturday morning, my family's life changed forever. We almost lost our beloved two year old son, Nolan, to a tragic burn accident and became a member of the burn survivor community.



Our son, Nolan, was a typical curious two year old who loved to play with his older sister. They were like "two peas in a pod", and loved taking baths together (either in the sink or tub), playing house, and generally getting along quite well. And like most curious two year old boys exploring their environment, Nolan would sometimes find himself in precarious situations. However, nothing we've ever experienced in our lives prepared us for what was about to occur. 



Nolan managed to climb into a bathroom sink in our half-bath, or "powder room", and turn on the hot water. Due to a faulty water heater, the temperature quickly climbed to an unfathomable 194 degrees. At 19 months old, he was unable to climb down from the sink and was scalded over 40% of his body. From the waist down, he suffered full thickness, 3rd degree burns. His lower legs and feet were burned so badly, even the most recognized burn specialists in the world struggled to save his life. His burns were so severe, eventually all of his toes were amputated.



Nolan was airlifted to the Loyola Burn Unit in Chicago after undergoing an emergency operation at Provena Mercy Hospital. He spent the next several months in the burn unit having multiple surgeries, skin grafts and recovering from his horrific burns. However, while under the diligent care of Dr. Richard Gamelli, Nolan began to heal and gain his strength. In Nolan's words, "I came back!".


Three years later after many sleepless nights and the unwavering dedication of Dr. Gamelli's team at the Loyola Burn Unit, Nolan has grown into a very healthy and strong young boy. Although his scarring is very extensive and he no longer has any toes, Nolan is a very active child who still loves to play with his older sister, ride his new bike, and swim at "the club". We are so grateful and blessed to have him with us and to watch him thrive.

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Our family will never be the same and Nolan's life is changed forever. Nolan's strength, perseverance and fortitude has been such an inspiration to our friends and family. At the Child Burn Foundation, we hope to extend his strength to not just survive, but thrive!



If you are a survivor, we are here for you! We want to help in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing your story.



Sincerely,



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Jay L. Barnes

Director & Chairman

Child Burn Foundation

jay@childburnfoundation.org