Written on September 15, 2025
Brian Baldari, burn survivor and advocate, sharing his story of resilience with the Phoenix Society community.
Please consult your doctor on medical and nutrition advice. Thank you for joining us on open mic!
Resilience Blueprint, My Recovery Pathway
My name is Brian Baldari and 33% of my body was burned and grafted. The journey has been painful and humbling, but also filled with progress and hope. I share this not just as my story, but as proof that resilience can be built one step at a time.
Family & Friends
Recovery taught me that I couldn’t do this alone. I leaned into family by making dinners, couch time, and weekends about connection rather than distraction. I also deepened bonds with my extended family through daily calls and weekly meals. With friends, I reached out more often—through texts, calls, and video chats—both to receive encouragement and to give it back.
Nutrition & Supplements
As an CrossFit athlete, I’ve always valued nutrition, and in recovery it became medicine. I continue to take creatine, tyrosine, and vitamin D3 daily to support strength, focus, bone, and muscle health. My nutrition goal is one gram of protein per pound of desired body weight, with over 60% of calories from carbs and less than 15% from fat to fuel healing.
In the hospital, I was prescribed vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin D. After discharge, I added zinc, arginine, and glutamine based on medical evidence.
Progressive Movement
My workouts began with simple therapy sessions—leg lifts, tiny step-ups, mobility work. Over time I layered in bands, weights, and eventually full-body movements like squats and presses, always scaled to my limits. Progress was slow, but steady—and that steadiness became proof that healing is possible.
Milestones & Belief
After my first burn laser therapy, I went from barely lifting my arm to shoulder height to raising it fully overhead. That breakthrough showed me that resilience is built through patience, persistence, and small wins.
To every future survivor reading this, know this truth, resilience lives inside you. With connection, nutrition, movement, and perseverance, you will rise again. Step by step, you can reclaim strength, rebuild hope, and rediscover who you are beyond the burns.
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Disclaimer: The medical information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical knowledge is continually evolving, and recommendations may change over time. Content shared by subject matter experts reflects their expertise and experience at the time of publication and may not be applicable to all individuals. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.