“I know the fear you feel as you face never seeing your loved ones again.”

In 2007, firefighter Brooke and her crew found themselves battling a major wildfire driven by Santa Ana winds. While attempting to rescue a father and son from their home, the group became trapped and engulfed by walls of fire. One firefighter lost their life that day, and Brooke’s was drastically changed in a matter of minutes.

Sustaining multiple severe burn injuries, she endured a medically-induced coma for over 2 weeks. When Brooke was finally able to return home, she found herself struggling with intense emotions in addition to her physical healing. Now after years of surgeries and rehabilitation, Brooke has come to terms with the fact that the wildfire stole a career that she loved. A burn injury leaves more than just scars everyone can see. For that reason, the Burn Institute is here to ensure that no burn survivor, nor their family, has to face that challenge alone.

After her injury, Brooke rebuilt many aspects of her life, including deciding to switch career paths and pursue a Masters in Psychology so she may assist fellow burn survivors and individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even with a hectic schedule and a family of four children, she lends an understanding ear and an empathetic voice to others in need just like the Burn Institute has been by Brooke’s side to assist in her lifelong healing journey. From sponsoring Brooke’s family to attend World Burn Congress, to providing a little extra support while she was furthering her education, the Burn Institute will always be by her side.

In Brooke’s own words, “The Burn Institute’s programs help bring smiles back to children, help bring light to a very dark time, help make tomorrow’s obstacles just a little bit easier to face and simply stated, help turn burn victims into burn survivors.”

If you would like to support our fire service heroes who sustain and injury while on-duty, consider making a gift to the Red Line of Courage Fund here.