In this powerful episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with Crystal Raye, a self-inflicted burn survivor, to explore her incredible journey of healing and growth. 🫶 Crystal opens up about her struggles with substance abuse, the importance of being honest with herself on the road to recovery, and turning pain into purpose.

Together, we dive into how Crystal found her tribe within the burn community, her unique LMFAO mantra, and the transformative power of owning her narrative. ✍️ We also chat about Crytstal's upcoming memoir and the many ways she continues to stay involved and give back to the burn community.

Tune in to hear Crystal Raye's inspiring story and the powerful lessons she shares about healing and embracing your truth!

➡️ If Crystal's story resonates with you, we invite survivors and caregivers to join our Special Topic Virtual Support Group on February 24, 2025, at 7 pm EST, where we'll dive deeper into the challenges of substance abuse and replacement addictions with Jerry and Diana Tenney-Laperriere. This is a safe space to connect, share, and support one another. Sign up today at: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group.

⭐️ 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!

Crystal Raye is a passionate advocate for the burn and visible difference communities, dedicated to empowering burn survivors and promoting resilience through her personal journey.

As a self inflicted flammable liquid burn survivor, she has transformed her pain into purpose, using her experiences to uplift others facing similar challenges.Crystal is also a peer support volunteer providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear to those navigating the emotional and physical aftermath of burn injuries.

She is also an aspiring author. Her upcoming book “The Burned, The Broken, & The Beautiful - A Memoir of Me,” shares her story of triumph and healing, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their own journey to find the beauty even through their darkest moments. With her authentic voice and unwavering commitment, Crystal Raye is a beacon of hope and a welcomed face to those struggling to navigate their many challenges after tragedy.

• Watch Dr. Pham on Girls with Grafts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY6RHkY3uD4
• Join Phoenix Society’s Monday night Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group
• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar
• Learn more about box breathing: https://www.calm.com/blog/box-breathing
• Download Crystal’s LMFAO PDF: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/hubfs/L.M.F.A.O.%20Believe%201.pdf
• Learn more about the REACH Burn Foundation: https://reachburnfoundation.org/
• Learn more about ABA’s memberships: https://ameriburn.org/member-services/individual-membership-benefits/
• Visit Crystal’s Linktree: http://linktr.ee/crhmedia
• Find a local 12 step program meeting: https://www.aa.org/find-aa
• Call or text 988 to speak with someone right now.

Today’s podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Since 1939, Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering and safety solutions. Jensen Hughes combines expert knowledge, innovative strategies, and groundbreaking research to help clients protect lives, property, and reputations—making the world a safer, more resilient place.

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

Welcome to the season six premiere of the Girls with Grafts podcast! This episode features an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with the incredible Danette Haag. 🩷 Burned at the age of 10, Danette opens up about her journey getting to where she is today, sharing how she internalized her pain and trauma while ultimately learning to love herself and embrace her beauty from within.

Danette's story is a testament to resilience and transformation. From becoming Mrs. Colorado to helping others on their journey as a mindset coach, she demonstrates the courage it takes to overcome adversity and redefine what it means to be beautiful. ✨

This episode is not just a story of survival but one of thriving—a perfect way to kick off the new season! 🎙️

⭐️ 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 #girlswithgrafts #podcast #survivorpodcast #burnsurvivorstories #selflove

Danette Haag is an inspiring woman whose life is a testament to resilience, faith, and courage. Her expertise, as a speaker, author, and mindset coach, is rooted in her own powerful story of surviving a severe burn injury from a house explosion as a child and her journey of healing both inside and out.

Danette has been honored with the 2019 Woman of Courage Award in Colorado and proudly holds the prestigious title of Mrs. Colorado 2021. She is the first severely scarred woman to win a state beauty pageant title – she’s the first but hopes she’s not the last. Danette’s mission is clear: to inspire others to see their own incredible value by sharing all she has learned from walking with courage, healing her soul, and redefining her beauty. Danette is ‘Beauty From Ashes’ and believes no one needs to get stuck behind any life scar.

• Visit Danette’s website: https://beautyfromashesspeaker.com/
• Read her book “Beauty from Ashes:” https://store.bookbaby.com/book/beauty-from-ashes
• Follow Danette on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danettebeautyfromashes/
• Follow Danette on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danette_beautyfromashes/

Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a community of VW bus enthusiasts based in West Michigan. They come together to camp, host amazing events, and raise funds to support Phoenix Society. And mark your calendars for the 2025 Bus Benefit, happening May 23rd-26th in Trufant, Michigan.

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

In our last episode of Season 6 of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Cat Eustace, a dedicated burn care professional and current Outpatient Burn Clinic Supervisor. We start our conversation by learning how Cat got involved in burn care and how her love for our community has developed over the years. 🏥❤️

Together, and thanks to today's podcast sponsor, Mölnlycke Health Care, we delve into the art and science of burn wound dressing changes, exploring best practices and innovations that make a difference in healing. 🩺 Cat also offers invaluable advice for preventing burnout in burn care, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support networks.

Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or burn care professional, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories to empower and uplift. 🫶 Tune in to learn how Cat's expertise transforms the lives of those in the burn community!

⭐️ 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!

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Catherine Eustace first worked in the music industry at a major record label. When her now husband was hit by a car and required surgery and full-time care during his recovery, she quit the music industry to take care of him. That resulted in changing careers to become a nurse.

After getting her BSN from the University of Miami, Catherine worked for years in the ER, then transitioned to Burn care 7 years ago. The Burn ICU was not in the plan, but after starting, she didn’t want to work anywhere else!

Over the last few years, she took over the Outpatient Burn Clinic and has enjoyed the transition. Getting to educate patients, working with burn patients of all ages, and doing community outreach as well.

She is married with two small children and lives in the Los Angeles suburbs with her family and 13-year-old terrier, Marshall.

• Learn more about Mölnlycke Health Care and their power of gentle campaign.
• Download our 2023 State of the Survivor report, which highlights pain and anxiety burn survivors face daily.
• Watch “Advocating for the Burn Survivor Patient” with Joey Lavallee on YouTube.
• Listen to “Advocating for the Burn Survivor Patient” with Joey Lavallee on Apple Podcasts.

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 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.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, we’re honored to sit down with Dr. Tam Pham, the Program Director at the University of Washington Medicine Regional Burn Center. Dr. Pham opens up about his personal journey when he sustained a burn as a young child. Rachel and Dr. Pham discuss the topic of imposter syndrome among some burn survivors and caregivers, highlighting that while we may not all have physical scars, we do all carry emotional ones.

Dr. Pham also shares the critical role of aftercare and support services in helping survivors reclaim their lives and thrive beyond their injuries. He also reflects on his connection with Grace Athena Flott, a local artist, fellow survivor, and former patient, whose powerful artwork he proudly displays in their burn clinic.

This episode is a moving tribute to the resilience of the burn community, the power of support, and the art of turning pain into purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring and heartfelt conversation!

⭐️ 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!

Dr. Tam Pham is a highly accomplished surgeon specializing in burn and trauma care, with extensive academic and clinical experience. Currently, he is a professor and director of the University of Washington Medicine Regional Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center.

A graduate of the University of California, Dr. Pham pursued rigorous postgraduate training, including a General Surgery residency, and fellowships in burn care and surgical critical care at the University of Washington. His academic contributions are significant, with numerous published research papers, including studies on critical care and telemedicine applications in burn care.

Dr. Pham has also been honored with numerous awards and is dedicated to advancing burn care. He has volunteered internationally as well as holds board certifications and is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Burn Association.

• Watch Dr. Rob Cartotto’s Girls with Grafts podcast episode on YouTube.
• Watch Grace Athena Flott’s Girls with Grafts podcast episode on YouTube.
• Learn more about Grace’s recent selection to create Governor Jay Inslee's official portrait.
• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery).

Today’s podcast is powered by the National Fire Sprinkler Association! NFSA aims to protect lives and property through the advancement of fire sprinklers. Learn more about fire sprinklers, fire advocacy, and how to get involved by visiting nfsa.org.

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

In today's episode of Girls with Graft, we’re honored to feature Alexi Pyles—a burn survivor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Alexi's journey began halfway around the world when she was just six months old, and her experiences have fueled a lifelong passion for helping others.

Join us as we dive into Alexi's career as a therapist, her invaluable advice for fellow survivors considering therapy, and her reflections on what it truly means to be "healed." We also explore her love for stunts and gymnastics, her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and how creativity plays a vital role in the healing process.

⭐️ 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!

Alexi Pyles is a child burn survivor. She was burned at six months old with second and third degree scald burns on her neck and chest. Alexi was abandoned by her parents shortly after the incident. She stayed in an orphanage until the age of two when she was adopted by a single parent mother who brought her back to the states. Alexi doesn't have any memories of her burns, other than what was told. She received extensive burn care from the ages of three to her teens. Due to the lack of immediate care, Alexi did not have the typical burn treatment like skin grafts, expanders, or spending time in a hyperbaric chamber. She had steroidal injections, pressure garments, stitching, and lasers.

Today, Alexi is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) with a speciality in DBT therapy modality and trauma informed care. She has worked in many mental health settings including residential, IOP/PHP, hospital, and low acuity outpatient. She currently works for Kaiser Permanente as a psychiatric social worker focusing on their high acuity cases by connecting them to higher levels of care. During her free time, Alexi likes to do stunts and acting, gymnastics, going on hikes especially the beaches and anything creative.

• Learn more about DBT therapy.
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s virtual support group.
• Explore all of Phoenix Society’s support offerings.
• Read “Painting Through the Darkness,” Painting Through the Darkness.
• Read “Controlling the Internal Flames,” written by Alexi Pyles.
• Read “Tackling Self-Sabotage,” written by Alexi Pyles.

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.

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, host Rachel sits down with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, to delve into the inspiring new partnership between Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Raj begins by sharing his professional journey in the fire engineering industry and what drew him to this critical field. He also recounts his impactful first connection with the Phoenix Society, including a transformative experience at the Phoenix World Burn Congress, and how everything fell into place to bring about this meaningful collaboration.

Together, Rachel and Raj explore the shared mission of both organizations: to support burn survivors and promote a safer, more resilient world. They discuss the tangible ways this partnership aims to advance fire prevention and safety standards, as well as the powerful role community plays in recovery and empowerment.

Tune in to hear how Jensen Hughes and the Phoenix Society are coming together to make a lasting difference for burn survivors and set a new standard for fire safety!

⭐️ 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!

As CEO of Jensen Hughes, a global market leader, Raj Arora guides the company’s rapid expansion while ensuring a steadfast commitment to technical excellence and exceptional client service. Through his leadership, he has transformed the company culture, helping to accelerate growth and inspire its 1,700+ engineers, consultants, data scientists and functional experts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that make our world safe, secure and resilient.

Throughout his two decades in the fire, security and risk engineering industry, Raj has built a reputation as a skilled engineer and a strategic business leader with a passion for fostering a positive organizational culture. Earlier in his career, Raj held leadership positions as Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls’ $1 billion Fire Detection and Special Hazard Product division, headquartered in Switzerland. As an equity partner at Arora Engineers, he helped catapult the firm from a small operation to an industry leader in MEP Engineering within the aviation and rail industries.

Raj is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. Over the course of his career, he’s received multiple awards, including Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Top 40 Under 40 honor and Early Career and Distinguished Alumni awards from his alma mater. Moreover, he was recognized at Tyco with prestigious performance awards for accountability, teamwork and technical acumen. He currently serves as a board director for the National Fire Protection Association.

• Visit Jensen Hughes website.
• Follow Jensen Hughes on LinkedIn.
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s newsletter.
• Watch the “Healing Power of Comedy.”
• Watch Danny Gropper’s Girls with Grafts episode on YouTube.

Today’s podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering since 1939. Their diverse team of more than 1,700 engineers, scientists, and consultants tackles complex risk, safety, and security challenges, helping clients protect lives, property, and reputations. Together, they blend expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge research to make the world safe, secure, and resilient. Learn more by visiting www.jensenhughes.com.

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

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel and Amber sit down with Kimaree Lewis, the resilient mother of a burn survivor, to hear her powerful story of navigating trauma, healing, and hope. Kimaree opens up about the day her family's life changed forever, her son and family's emotional and physical challenges, and how her family's faith got them through the toughest times.

Join us as Kimaree shares insights on caring for her family and also herself, how giving back as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter has impacted both her and her son, and her advice for other caregivers. Tune in to hear how one mother's journey can offer hope to anyone facing life's most challenging moments.

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!

Kimaree Lewis is the mother of five children and the wife to an awesome husband. She is a Human Resources Manager and in 2024, she received the Human Resources Professional of the year. Kimaree lives by the motto: “Lead others to look up to the person they see in the mirror.” She wants to help others create a reflection that they are proud of and a shadow they don't mind lurking behind them. Helping people is her passion and she feels full and accomplished when she knows she’s helped better another's situation or circumstance.

• Watch our latest podcast episode with physical therapist, Ingrid Parry, where we talk about the importance of movement in burn recovery.
• Read “Me, Enough? A Sibling's Story of Becoming Free of Guilt and Shame,” where Katherine Hill shares her journey of letting go of the shame and guilt she felt after living through a house fire that injured her twin sister.
• Read “Self-Care for Caregivers.”
• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) and how to become a trained Peer Supporter.

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.

It's World Burns Week, and today's podcast episode features a special takeover by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors' CEO, Amy Acton! Amy, who has been actively representing the organization on the World Burns Week steering committee, welcomes two incredible guests from Nigeria: Dr. Onuh and Patience. Dr. Onuh is a passionate and skilled surgeon dedicated to advancing burn care, while Patience is a courageous burn survivor eager to share her story.

World Burns Week envisions a future where burns are prevented and everyone—no matter their location, income, gender, age, or ability—has access to timely and effective care. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Onuh and Patience discuss the realities of burn care in Nigeria and survivors' unique challenges in achieving equitable treatment. As a special surprise, Patience's role model, Kechi, joins the conversation, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable moment.

Listen in today to learn more about World Burns Week and discover ways to get involved in the global movement to reduce inequality in burn care and support survivors worldwide!

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!

Dr. Onuh is a dedicated burn, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon from Nigeria with a passion for burn care. She advocates for multidisciplinary burn care and is actively involved in managing burn patients. Dr. Onuh is also committed to research, education, and prevention to reduce the burden of burns in her country. Through her work, she aims to improve outcomes for burn patients, burn survivors and advance the field of burn care. Patience is also from Nigeria and sustained a burn injury not that long ago.

• Learn more about World Burns Week.
• Watch our latest Girls with Grafts episode featuring Kechi!
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s newsletter.

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