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Stories of Inspiration

Everett Marshall-
Nothing is Impossible to a Willing Heart

Everett Marshall, 57, former mayor of Newfield, N.J. and owner of a N.J based trucking company, was severely burned when a petroleum-transporter tank that he was cleaning exploded. Marshall was thrown from the truck during the explosion and landed on his back inside the molten-hot truck bed. He sustained burns over 50 percent of his body and broke both of his legs. Despite his injuries, Marshall pushed himself backwards out of the trailer. He recalls, “My legs were broken and my left foot was going in the wrong direction and I said, ‘I’m not going to die like this’.”

As a burn patient and amputee, Marshall spent three months in intensive care at Temple University Hospital. After multiple skin grafts to replace about two to three inches of his back that was missing, Marshall was transferred from the ICU to Temple's Level I Burn Unit. His road to recovery has been a long one, but his attitude and determination has been remarkable. According to Marshall, “Three things that have been very powerful for me in this adventure have been my family, faith and trust in the people around me [therapists, doctors and friends]. I really do not believe that I could have made the progress that I have without my family. Having them with me everyday and knowing they are all in my corner for recovery keeps me moving in a positive direction.”

Currently a Board Member for the Burn Foundation, Marshall is an inspiration of what can be done if you set your mind to it and never give up. Marshall's message continues to give hope to burn survivors and has helped develop a sense of awareness in our communities about fire and burn injury and prevention. With the help of his family, Marshall organizes an annual golf tournament with proceeds benefiting the Burn Foundation. The success of his tournament last year raised over $10,000 for the Burn Foundation.

For more information on Everett Marshall's recovery:
DeBevois, K. (2006). Burning Issues: A patient's experience heats up useful tips for burn unit therapists. Therapy Times. Retrieved May 14, 2007 from www.therapytimes.com.

Carol Gadsden -
Finding Hope in Tough Circumstances

Thirty years ago, Gadsden entered her bathroom to take what should have been a routine shower in her apartment building in New York. Suddenly, the equipment in place to regulate the water temperature malfunctioned and the water scalded her body. Skin exposed to 160 degree water for only one second, can result in a third degree burn. Gadsden was exposed to 180 degree water temperatures. In an instant she became burnt over 70% of her body. Diagnosed with third-degree burns over 50% of her body (20% with first and second-degree burns), Gadsden required treatment for six months and lost use of both her legs and arms. The third-degree burns caused extensive tissue damage, disfigurement and loss of function.

Since the accident, Gadsden has endured 33 surgeries. As a burn survivor, she understands the pain and effects of burn injuries, but shows that burn survivors can return to productive and healthy lives. Gadsden, a Board Member for the Burn Foundation, continues to share her story in hopes of preventing burn injury and in an effort to keep the community informed and safe in their homes.