It’s every firefighter’s nightmare, a hot burning ceiling and roof collapsing on himself and his fellow firefighters. Only this was real.

Responding to a house fire, Michael Lavoie and his unit entered a soggy building where the fire had been contained.  Moments later, both the ceiling and the burning roof collapsed on top of them.  Feeling an overwhelming wave of heat, burning, and sheer agony, Michael was certain that he’d die.  

Fortunately, Michael was rushed to the Firefighters Regional Burn Center at The MED. He recalls that “six or eight specialists swarmed around me. As much pain as I was in, I still knew I was in good hands.”

After three months of surgeries including an implant to replace his ear, Michael was beginning to recover. He also needed emotional support to deal with the memories of the trauma and his changed appearance. The MED gave him that, too. “The nurses offered me words of encouragement, ensuring I never doubted my ability to recover from my injuries and enjoy normal life.”  

Years later, Michael continues to keep in touch with the nurses that helped with his recovery. Michael also continues to support The MED by organizing an annual charity golf tournament that benefits The Burn Center.

Click here to give to the Firefighters Regional Burn Center.