Finding Strength in Our Scars
Written by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors on May 13, 2025
When Lourdes Cuello, a mother and medical IT professional from New Jersey, experienced a life-changing accident at home, she never imagined the journey she was about to embark on. In April 2018, while making a cup of tea as she had done countless times before, her hoodie string caught fire and flames quickly engulfed her upper body.
Hearing her screams, Lourdes's two children rushed to her side and ran her head and chest under cold water from the kitchen sink. Although she suffered third-degree burns across her shoulder, neck, ear, and scalp, the nerve damage masked the immediate pain. Seeing the severity of her burns, Lourdes's children acted quickly and rushed her to a nearby emergency room.
Lourdes was transferred to the Thomas Jefferson University Burn Unit, where she spent weeks in acute care, undergoing multiple skin graft surgeries. The physical pain was grueling, but the emotional toll weighed even heavier. Before her accident, Lourdes had been confident and thriving in her career—now, she barely recognized herself. The path ahead seemed hopeless, but Lourdes discovered a community that would change everything: Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.
Finding Hope Through Connection
During her initial hospital stay, Lourdes was introduced to Phoenix Society. Soon after, she joined the dedicated Facebook group for survivors and caregivers and attended a Wednesday evening Peer Support Chat.
Lourdes didn’t know other burn survivors before her injury and was seeking a community that understood. Through Peer Support Chat, she found a space where she felt understood, supported, and encouraged by others who had walked similar paths.
Through her initial healing and to this day, Lourdes connects with survivors in the Phoenix Society Facebook group who understand the struggles of living with burn scars and the challenges of recovery. Sharing her story and seeing others share theirs reminded Lourdes she wasn't alone. She was part of a resilient, inspiring community of burn survivors. This sense of belonging was instrumental in helping her find strength she didn't know she had.
Sometimes, you have to go through the worst of times before life gets really good. We may fall down, but as survivors, we don't stay down. We get back up."
—Lourdes
Peer Support Chat also played a significant role in her healing. Through chat, she met lifelong friends who could empathize with her frustrations and celebrate the small victories—like lifting her arm or embracing her reflection in the mirror. These small milestones became big steps forward, and the community she found fueled her passion to give back and help others.
A New Chapter of Resilience
With the unwavering support of her burn care team at Jefferson and the Phoenix Society community, Lourdes began to see her scars not as reminders of trauma but as symbols of survival and strength. Today, she is not only surviving but is thriving.
Lourdes knows that she didn't get to where she is today on her own. She believes in the power of peer support and is now dedicated to being a pillar of strength for others.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without Phoenix Society and the incredible burn community,” Lourdes says. “They gave me hope when I felt like I had none, and now I want to do the same for others."
From supporting others online to writing her own self-help book, Lourdes's message is clear: healing is possible, and no one has to go through it alone.
Disclaimer: The stories featured on this website are personal accounts shared by individuals from the burn community. Each burn injury, recovery journey, and healing process is unique. These stories are meant to offer connection, insight, and hope but are not intended as medical advice. What worked for one person may not be appropriate for others. The perspectives shared in these stories do not necessarily represent the views of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. If you have medical questions or concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.