The Untitled Project: This is Katy Lawalin, She is a burn survivor from Pulaski, Virginia. She was burned at age 12 due to a house fire. Katy and her brother with her grandparents, while her father and uncle lived next-door. In the middle of the night her grandparent's house caught fire. Katy's grandparents and brother made it out of the house and called for help. Once they realized that Katy was not outside with them her brother attempted to run inside and save her. Katy's father stopped his son since was just a child. Katy woke up to a smoke filled house; she did not realize there was danger, she thought the smoke was caused by the wood stove. She got up to investigate and once she opened her bedroom door she was hit by a wall of thick smoke. As she walked through the house she noticed that fire blocked both door leading to outside. She froze, not knowing where to go. Katy's grandfather reentered the home and found her in the dining room. Since the smoke was so thick and both Katy and her grandfather passed out. Her grandfather attempted to shield her with his body as they fell to the ground. Once her grandfather did not emerge from the home after a few minutes, Katy's father and uncle broke through the back door and pulled both Katy and her grandfather to safety. Katy stated, as she crawled away from the burning house she saw her skin peeling off of her body. 

Once in the ambulance, Katy's body swelled so severely that the paramedics had to split the skin on the back of her arms and legs so that her skin would not burst from the pressure. Katy and her grandfather were airlifted and placed in a medically induced coma. They were initially flown to Roanoke, but not admitted since their burns were too severe for their medical staff. They were then flown to UVA burn unit, where they were both treated. Katy was 88% burned and not expected to survive. The medical team thought they would have to remove her fingers, lips, and nose due to the extent of her injuries, but in the end, she was able to keep them. Katy was in a coma for one month. Once her treatment at UVA was complete, she was flown to Shriners for 4 months. She would return to Shriners every 6 weeks for surgeries. Once released from care, she returned home in a wheelchair and was not expected to walk. Katy only remained wheelchair bound for 1 year; she was determined to be independent and walk on her own. Katy has had 111 surgeries  - the most recent was in September of 2021. She does not have any upcoming surgeries scheduled at this time. Unfortunately her grandfather only survived for 10 days after the accident. 

Katy explained that she does have some physical limitations, but she is fully and independently functioning. She went through extensive physical therapy for her physical wellbeing and a childhood trauma therapist for her emotional wellbeing. She also pulls support from her family and friends. One year after her injury, she got involved with the Central Virginia Burn Camp. She explained that being involved with the camp was a huge part of her emotional recovery. When I asked her what coping strategies have been helpful for her she stated that she knows that her grandfather sacrificed himself for her and that she wants to honor him with her life. She also explained that she focuses on her blessings and the love that she has in her life. 

Katy is strong, brilliant, and beautiful. 

*A note from the author: Katy and her husband traveled from Virginia to Baltimore for her to participate in the project after seeing my post in a Facebook group for burn survivors. They stayed with myself and my family for the weekend. We were able to get to know them and I found a kindred spirit with Katy. I am proud to call them my friends. I am so glad our paths have crossed.