health
March 13, 2026
Experience: I suffered terrible burns as a child
I was sick and tired of the world treating me like a victim, so I decided to flip the narrative. At 25, I tried out for my local volunteer fire academy

TL;DR
- The author suffered severe burns on 73% of his body at age six due to a kerosene accident.
- Recovery involved extensive hospital stays, painful bandage changes, and years of physical and emotional struggle.
- Despite societal difficulties and discrimination, he decided to join a volunteer fire academy at age 25.
- The fire academy experience helped him overcome trauma and find a sense of control and purpose.
- He now works as a peer support specialist, helping others with recovery from burns, mental health issues, and addiction.
- The author's life goal is to thank the neighbor who saved him as a child.
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