Written by Nicole E. Smith on November 17, 2019
When we think of advances in technology benefiting burn survivors, most of us generally think of the physical recovery. But there are also recent technological advances that can contribute to the emotional recovery.
One of The Phoenix Society’s more powerful, yet lesser known resources, is its biweekly online discussion for burn survivors and supporter. One of the regular participants in these discussions is Brad Johnson—where he goes by the nickname "woodnfish."
Brad, a North Dakota native, served as a volunteer fire fighter from the time he was a teenager. While on military leave from the Navy in September of 1991, Brad, who was 25 at the time, responded to a routine fire call. Upon arrival, the firefighters found a crude oil tank fire.
Although they had handled calls of this nature before, this particular one was different. The crew decided to regroup and formulate a strategy. As the fire truck was pulling away with Brad positioned on the back, the tank boiled over and the heat and flames overtook the truck.
Brad said he initially felt no pain and didn’t realize the severity of the burn. It wasn’t until several weeks later while lying in the hospital that he learned he received third-degree burns to 85 percent of his body. He had lost all of his fingers, both of his ears, the tip of his nose, and vision in his right eye. While this would be devastating for anyone, Brad felt particularly discouraged because his life and livelihood revolved around hands-on work. Brad had been a construction worker and welder and was currently a flight deck troubleshooter for the Navy.
Brad spent the next 13 months being transferred to and from hospitals from Texas to Minnesota. After final discharge, Brad began physical therapy at a local North Dakota hospital. It was here that Brad would meet a woman who would change his life forever.
Brad’s physical therapist introduced him to a nurse named Leisa. Brad said that he wasn't sure what would happen, but just took it "day by day." Leisa said Brad’s burns never bothered her, and as they were dating, "his personality came through and the burns disappeared."
Several years ago, Brad was surfing the Internet one night and did a search for "burn survivor chats." He came across The Phoenix Society and learned about the weekly Online Peer Support Chat sessions in which he immediately began to participate. He said he gets "personal satisfaction" from chatting with other burn survivors, and he enjoys "getting people out of their ruts."
Amy Acton, executive director of The Phoenix Society says, "Brad is wonderful at ‘listening’ and helping new ‘chatters’ to feel comfortable. He values everyone’s feelings and uses his sense of humor in a positive way to discuss difficult issues."
Brad’s message to other survivors is "Don’t hide. Never give up. Life is too short and so enjoy the things that please you and don’t worry what others think."
Today, with a little patience, Brad has found a new hobby in woodworking. Brad says that the biggest challenge was to find a way to hold onto the tools, but he overcame this by using a special strap and hook to assist with grabbing and pulling. Brad also had a toe-to- thumb transplant on both hands, which was enormously successful.
Brad makes a variety of pieces from tables and desks to boxes and pens. Brad said that he is "pretty fussy" about his work and most enjoys the "fine detail and carving work."
All of his pieces are his own creations, which he describes as the "arts and crafts era or mission style furniture." Brad has sold his pieces to friends and family, but is beginning to reach a larger audience by word of mouth. Pictures of Brad’s work can be found on the Web at http://mywebpage.netscape.com/johnsonwoodw/.
Brad is trying to increase business so his current goal is to start marketing his pieces at craft shows. But because of the amount of time it takes time to craft each piece, it is difficult to accumulate enough stock to bring to a show. Leisa has begun to get involved in woodworking also, and the two of them are now making carved pen and pencil sets to complement the larger pieces.
Today, Brad and Leisa reside in DesLacs, North Dakota, with their four children, Chase, Tristen, 6, Brayden, 4, and Ashlyn, 3 months. Leisa works full time as an emergency room nurse, while Brad cares for their children. "This situation works out great for our family," says Leisa. She is able to continue a job she loves, while Brad can work at home in the woodshop and look after the children. The kids also spend a lot of time in the woodshop working on projects of their own.
Brad enjoys living his life to the fullest and actively helping other burn survivors. He recalls one chat session in which he met a man who had recently been burned and also lost all of his fingers. Brad said the man "thought his life was over." Brad told the man he was talking with "North Dakota’s only furniture builder with no fingers" and "you can do whatever you put your mind to."
Brad said he enjoys helping others. He believes the online discussion groups are a "powerful resource" and would like to see more people become involved.
Phoenix Society online discussions occur every Wednesday. To participate in the discussion, look for the Community link on the Phoenix Society website (http://www.phoenix-society.org).
Nicole E. Smith is an instructor in the mass communication department at Louisiana State University, where she teaches courses in visual communication, research methods, and media writing. She is also a burn survivor.