Burn Survivors Throughout The World, Inc. Founder
By: Michael Appleman, CEO
Back in May 1998 I suffered a major burn injury due to a car fire. Back then I use to smoke cigarettes. Before I took a nap in the car I had to smoke the cigarette. I thought I put the cigarette out but I was wrong. I woke up to a major fire in the car. I was able to get out but I was already on fire. My legs were burning up. I went back in the car for a gallon of water and my face, neck and hand suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns. I put the fire out on my legs but it was too late. I also suffered 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree burns to my legs, ankles and feet. I walked about fifty yards away from the car and sat down. I began to pray to God our Father for help and asked why this happened to me. At that time the windows in the car exploded.
BSTTWTranslationsAfter waiting for over ten minutes two gentleman came over and offered me support and help. They helped me stand up and I walked to the back of one of the gentleman's truck. This would be the last time I would walk for over two years due to the burn injury and not receiving proper medical care in the hospitals in Sarasota and other parts of South Florida. The paramedics showed up, took off my sneakers, cut off the clothes and began to offer wound care to my legs, feet, ankles, face, neck and hands. They asked me if I could stand up and walk. When I attempted to do that I found that it was impossible. The burns have taken over and my legs were not working any longer. My life changed forever. I went through so many ups and downs. I felt alone. I went on the internet and found Burn Survivors Online (BSO) when Gary was running the internet site. I joined the email list and began to meet other burn survivors. I was able to gather information and make new friends.
In the 1999 with the help of two churches I raised the funding needed to attend the World Burn Congress. I was the only burn survivor in a wheelchair at the WBC 1999. I met many burn survivors, gathered support, created friends and a new life. When I returned to my apartment I decided to create a support group on the internet. Then in 2001 after attending the WBC I founded BSTTW. We began helping burn survivors and family members on the internet, in person, with medications, funding, medical supplies and even free medical treatment. I traveled as the BSTTW CEO to Egypt and Viet Nam. In both countries I worked as a the with doctors and hospitals in order to offer medications and medical treatment to many burn survivors in need. In Viet Nam I also traveled to several areas in South Viet Nam and offered free wound care. My life has changed forever since I became a burn survivor and founded BSTTW. One of my best friends is Dwight Lunkley. He never gave up hope and was one of the people who helped me to become who I am today.
Below is a quote from Dwight Lunkley who I feel is a burn survivor who has never given up and found the best way possible to move forward and rebuild his life after suffering a burn injury and loosing a very close friend due to the automobile accident.
NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN, NEVER QUIT.....>LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS!BURN SURVIVORS HELPING BURN SURVIVORS.....THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT!"Dwight Lunkley"
