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Congratulations to the winner of our Kasasa and MidMo Bank These Are My People contest, Maria Kallenbach! You can read her touching story below. Thank you to all those who shared their stories, we enjoyed reading each and every one! Merry Christmas to all!

 

"September 3, 2019 was the day I met “my people." They make up the entire staff at the MERCY BURN CENTER in Springfield, Missouri. I was involved in a terrible accident that almost took my life. I was burned on over 80% of my body and these angels expertly addressed every battle I faced with compassion & care over the next several weeks. They became a great source of support for me and my family while I was hospitalized. My nurse, occupational therapist, burn survivor contact support person, and entire staff were with me every step of the way. Over the last 3 years, they’ve become even more special to me as they have cheered me on through my “Burn Survivor” journey physically & emotionally. After leaving the hospital, I was given a year of follow up visits with my trauma doctors, occupational therapists, burn support contact person, burn survivor support group, and Facebook group. This year in September (on my 3rd year “Burnaversary”) I invited several of the staff to my house to celebrate with me during my “Joy & Gratitude Party” for those who have helped me heal over the last 3 years. It was a memorable time for me to be able to say “Thank you” to individuals that have changed my life. To say I was touched by so many of them attended is an understatement! If there was one thing I would love to be able to do with my wonderful friends at the Mercy Burn Unit, it would be for us to be able to add something for the Burn Center to help Burn Survivor victims and the staff there. This one facility not only takes care of burn victims in the state of Missouri, but also Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The circumstances the staff works under are very trying. Days are filled with extreme pressure, deep disappointment and weariness. They soldier on with limited staff, funds and resources. For my friends to be honored for their dedication to burn victims would be such a blessing! I know we could plan something wonderful together. I’m so grateful for an opportunity to reflect on my very special friends and hopefully help bring much needed hope and blessings to them and fellow burn survivors. Thank you for your consideration! Pictured below are a few of “my people” that attended my Joy & Gratitude Party in September. Regina Landry- Fellow Burn Survivor and my Support Group Leader from Mercy, Lori Pumphrey- My occupational therapist, Me, Erin Rudd- ICU BURN UNIT nurse who WILLED me to live."