In the heartfelt season six finale of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Carolyn Mae Kim - an accredited public relations professional, author, speaker, and, most importantly, the proud mother of a young burn survivor. 💛 Carolyn shares the powerful story of her son's injury at just 8 months old and the emotional road that followed.

With honesty and grace, Carolyn opens up about the weight of parental guilt, the challenges of navigating parenthood after trauma, and the strength it took to heal alongside her husband. She offers insight into how her son's recovery has evolved as he's grown, the importance of creating space for both grief and growth and how their family intentionally celebrates each milestone of the healing journey.

This episode is a must-listen for parents and caregivers! Join us as we close out the season with a story of family, growth, and the power of community. 💪

#BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Parenting #ChildBurnSurvivor #Healing #FamilyHealing

⭐️ 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!

Carolyn Mae Kim is an accredited public relations professional, speaker, and author recognized for leading teams and crafting purpose-driven communication that builds trust and advances meaningful impact. She’s also the proud mother of a resilient and inspiring fourth grader who is a burn survivor—a role that has profoundly shaped her perspective on advocacy, empathy, and authentic connection.

• Read “Worth a Thousand Words: Growth Beyond Trauma:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/worth-a-thousand-words-growth-beyond-trauma
• Read “What To Expect When You Never Expected This: Navigating Burn and Scar Care for an Infant:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/what-to-expect-when-you-never-expected-this-navigating-burn-and-scar-care
• Read “Helping Toddler Burn Survivors Understand Their Experience:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/helping-toddler-burn-survivors
• Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary
• Get connected by joining Phoenix Society’s dedicated Facebook group for survivors and loved ones: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport

Today’s podcast is powered by the Donor Alliance Foundation and the Brookby Foundation! The Donor Alliance Foundation is dedicated to advancing education and awareness around organ, eye, and tissue donation, while the Brookby Foundation supports transformative programs that improve lives and strengthen communities. We’re grateful for their generous support in helping us share burn community stories. Learn more at DonorAllianceFoundation.org and BrookbyFoundation.org.

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

Kelly Woodhouse is no stranger to resilience. Burned on 75% of her body at just two years old, she has transformed a childhood marked by trauma and bullying into a life of purpose, strength, and inspiration. 🩷 In this episode, Rachel sits down with Kelly to explore her journey from surviving to thriving and how she found the courage to let her scars speak.

Together, Rachel and Kelly reflect on growing up with visible scars, navigating childhood bullying, and how those early experiences shaped their self-image. Kelly shares the moment she decided to stop letting others define her confidence and started owning her story.

From the TEDx stage to a viral Goalcast video with over 10 million views, Kelly talks about what motivates her to speak publicly and how she finds purpose in helping others embrace their own scars. Her message is clear: your pain can become your power! 💪

#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!

Kelly Woodhouse is a burn survivor and was injured when she was 2 on 75% of her body. She found a way to go from near death to success, from the scar-faced girl to the TEDx stage, not once but twice. A documentary about her life story, called Still Beautiful launched on TV plus Goalcast launched a video that has over 10 million views. Global TV announced Kelly as one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You have to ask yourself HOW? How did the Scar-Face girl find the strength in her scars?

• Visit Kelly Woodhouse’s website: https://kellyfalardeau.com
• Purchase and view “Still Beautiful:” https://app.hiro.fm/channel/doc
• Purchase and read Kelly’s latest book: https://a.co/d/6l0IUNw
• Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025
• Read “Intimacy and Sexuality after a Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/intimacy-and-sexuality-after-a-burn-injury
• Read “Understanding Intimacy and Sexuality After Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/understanding-intimacy-and-sexuality-after-burn-injury

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.

In this powerful episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and burn survivor Jim Wall joins host Rachel to share his story of survival, resilience, and purpose. 🌟 After sustaining a burn injury in 2022, Jim drew on the strength and discipline from his military career to forge a new path forward, one rooted in what he calls the 4 Fs: faith, family, fitness, and fire.

Jim opens up about the road to recovery and how his military mindset became a cornerstone of his healing. He introduces listeners to his motivational framework, THINK WIN, a powerful acronym built on principles that have guided his post-injury life: Trust the coach, Harness the hurt, Ignite the fire within you, Never tap out, Kneel before you rise, War and will, Internalize your mission, Never alone.

We close out the conversation with Jim's inspiring fitness journey as he trains for a full Ironman this fall, a mission driven not just by personal challenge but by a deep commitment to raise awareness and support the burn community. 💪

#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!

Jim Wall is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 24 years of service as a C-130 and KC-135 pilot, leading organizations and bases around the world, including in combat zones. He now works as a Client Partner at Slalom, guiding enterprise-level transformations across industries.

Jim is a certified executive leadership coach with the John Maxwell Team, committed to personal growth and development. He actively volunteers with Phoenix SOAR at the Regions Burn Center in St. Paul, MN, and mentors students at Minnetonka High School in leadership, aviation, and international relations.

He also leads a men’s faith formation group and is currently training for Ironman Wisconsin in September 2025. A burn survivor since August 13, 2022, Jim channels his experience into service, resilience, and purposeful living.

• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) : https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar
• Read “​​Let's Get Physical: Getting Started with Physical Fitness:” https://phoenix-society.org/resources/getting-started-with-physical-fitness
• Read “What to Expect: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/what-to-expect-mental-health
• Use the Burn Survivor Heat Tracker: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-survivor-heat-risk-calculator

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.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we’re joined by Phoenix Society CEO, Amy Acton, to explore the stories behind the data in the 2024 State of the Survivor Report! 📊Together, we unpack key findings that shed light on the current needs, challenges, and resilience of burn survivors.

Special thanks to our 2024 report sponsor, Mölnlycke Health Care, for their continued support in advancing burn care and championing survivor-centered research.

We wrap up our conversation by highlighting the Top 10 Priorities in Global Burns Research, spotlighting the areas where research and advocacy can make the biggest difference. 🌎

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, burn care professional, or ally, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to improving burn survivor outcomes!

⭐️ 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!

#BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Research #BurnCare #Advocacy

Amy Acton is the Chief Executive Officer for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, where she has served the organization for over 25 years. Amy is a burn survivor, former burn nurse, and a leading advocate for the burn community. She has dedicated her career to promoting the expansion of burn recovery services and resources for burn survivors and their loved ones.

• Download the 2024 State of the Survivor Report: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/2024-state-of-the-survivor-report
• Read the Top 10 Priorities in Global Burns Research: https://burnsresearch.bristol.ac.uk
• Thanks to our 2024 report sponsor, Mölnlycke Health Care, we continue advocating for better burn care. To learn more about gentle care for burns from Mölnlycke, visit their burn care solutions website: https://www.molnlycke.us/solutions/burns
• Download a comprehensive spreadsheet featuring facilities that provide specialized laser services for burn survivors: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/resource-marketplace/laser-resource-list
• Watch our podcast episode with Dr. Callie Thompson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cmdgqoAsuw
• Access the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-survivor-heat-risk-calculator

Today’s podcast is powered by Mölnlycke Health Care! Mölnlycke is a world-leading MedTech company that specializes in innovative solutions for wound care and surgical procedures. Mölnlycke products and solutions are used daily by hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients in over 100 countries around the world.

Mölnlycke Health Care’s advanced wound care dressings, such as Mepilex Ag, are enabled by Safetac® technology, a gentle silicone adhesive that reduces pain and minimizes skin trauma of burn survivors at dressing change. For more information about burn care solutions, you can visit their website at https://www.molnlycke.us/solutions/burns/.

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

Trigger warning: In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we have an important and heartfelt discussion about domestic violence, including personal experiences and the journey to healing. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by visiting www.thehotline.org, calling 800-799-7233, or texting BEGIN to 88788.

In this deeply moving episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Davina Licon, a survivor of an acid attack. With vulnerability and courage, Davina shares the story of her attack and the emotional and physical aftermath that has followed. 💛

Through it all, she has found power in resilience and strength in physical activity. As a bodybuilder, she shares how fitness has impacted her journey and offers empowering tips for other survivors looking to reclaim their strength. 💪 Davina also opens up about her journey with faith and believing everything happens for a greater purpose.

This episode is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of burn 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!

#BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #Survivor #Strength

Davina Licon is an acid attack survivor as well as a bodybuilder. Being a burn survivor Davina aims to raise awareness of acid attacks and domestic violence by shedding light for survivors. She wants people to understand that acid attacks and domestic violence are more common than we think and it can happen to anyone. Along with being a bodybuilder she hopes to inspire and motivate others to become a better, healthier version of themselves. If she can do it with more than 30% burns anyone can. There is no excuse.

• Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org.
• Visit the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: https://nrcdv.org.
• Join Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group.
• Explore Phoenix Society’s support services: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/tools-for-burn-survivors-and-caregivers.
• Learn more about your legal rights after a burn injury: https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/legal-action-do-i-have-a-case.
• Learn more about OneLove: https://www.joinonelove.org.

Today’s podcast is powered by the Donaldson Foundation! Led by a board comprised of employee volunteers, the mission of the Donaldson Foundation is to positively impact our communities by supporting education. We’re honored to have the Donaldson Foundation as a long-standing Phoenix Society Partner.

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

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we're joined by Jeanette Johnson - burn survivor, Phoenix Society volunteer, and a voice of hope and healing. 🤝 In this heartfelt episode, Jeanette shares her journey of recovery over the past five years and how finding connection through Phoenix Society's Virtual Support Group changed everything.

She opens up about the friendships she's formed, including with our co-host Ambe and the community that has grown from a virtual space into a true support system. ✨ Jeanette also shares her experience as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, including her very first in-person visit just last week.

We dive into what it means to build community in a virtual world, the importance of getting connected early in recovery, and how volunteers like Jeanette are making a lasting impact. A heartfelt thank you to Jeanette for giving back as a volunteer - your compassion, time, and support are helping others feel seen, heard, and never alone on their healing journeys! 💛

⭐️ 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!

#BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #NationalVolunteerWeek #NVW #Volunteer #PhoenixSOAR #PeerSupport

Jeanette Johnson's journey as a burn survivor and her dedication to peer support have made her an integral part of the Phoenix Society community. Jeanette's story began on June 6, 2020, when she was burned in a smoldering firepit while on vacation in Oklahoma during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience in the Burn ICU during such an isolating time helped her realize the value of peer support—such as a smile, a listening ear, or a shared story.

Motivated by her healing journey, Jeanette has been an active member of Phoenix Society's Virtual Support Group for over four years. This community became a lifeline for her, offering not only support but also lifelong friendships. Over time, she has expanded her involvement, becoming a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, a CLIMB instructor, an advocate and speaker for mental health, and a support group leader. She strives to help others know they can rise and thrive after a burn injury.

• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar
• Request a peer support visit: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/peer-support-request
• Learn more about the CLIMB study: https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/climb
• Sign up to participate in CLIMB: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=W3LKWEAPNTPAM7RW
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group
• Join Phoenix Society’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport
• Explore our Burn Community Calendar: https://www.phoenix-society.org/community-calendar
• Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC): https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary
• Learn more about the Florida bill and AFCI requirements by emailing natasha@phoenix-society.org.

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.

In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Brian O’Connor, a Senior Engineer in the Technical Services department at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to discuss lithium-ion batteries. 🔋

From powering our everyday devices like our cell phones, laptops, e-bikes, and more, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. ⚠️ But do you know the warning signs of battery fires? Or how to stay safe when using them? Brian shares expert insights into what lithium-ion batteries are, where they’re used, and most importantly, how to protect yourself and others from potential hazards.

Listen now to power up your knowledge and stay safe!

⭐️ 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!

#FireSafety #BatterySafety #FireProtection #LithiumIonBatteries #BurnSurvivor #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast

Brian O’Connor is a Senior Engineer in the Technical Services department at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and a Past President of the New England Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. A licensed professional engineer in Texas and Massachusetts, Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University and a Master’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. His expertise spans batteries, water-based fire protection systems, healthcare facilities, and fire extinguishers, with a focus on advancing fire safety through technical guidance and industry leadership.

• Learn more about lithium-ion batteries and how to stay safe: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries
• Learn more about electric vehicle safety: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/electrical/electric-vehicles
• Explore NFPA’s training opportunities: https://www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/training-for-me/NFPA-Training
• Explore NFPA’s list of codes and standards: https://www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards

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.