Local Woman Tells her Burn Story to Inspire Others

Jul 3, 2018 | 11:02 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – Each year over 700 BC residents suffer life-altering burns. Often the scars are more than physical. The BC Professional Firefighter Burn Fund looks to raise money to help these survivors.  One local is telling her story in the hopes of raising awareness about burns.

At the age of 2, Debbie Wood suffered third-degree burns over 95 percent of her body. Her mother was pregnant and had German Measles at the time and laid down with Debbie to have a nap.  The toddler didn’t fall asleep and attempted to make a cake.  While leaning over the stove her nightgown caught fire.

A neighbour saw Debbie on fire through her home’s front window and called the fire department. Wood remembers everything, including the 472 operations she has undergone over the past 52 years.   Now Debbie is sharing her story in the hopes of raising funds and awareness for those who suffer from burns.

Locally fundraising is happening through the Burn Fund which offers a special camp for children who are burned, and a province-wide lottery called Hometown Heroes is raising funds for services in Vancouver,  where the provincial burn unit is located.