Beautiful Scars

1. A Life-Changing Explosion: Kilee's Journey Begins

The whole thing happened so fast that it didn't seem real.

Unexpected tragedy strikes. On November 10, 2014, sixteen-year-old Kilee Brookbank's life changed forever when she lit a candle in her bathroom, causing an explosion that engulfed her in flames. The blast threw her backwards, and she woke up confused and disoriented. Realizing she was on fire, Kilee's survival instincts kicked in, and she ran outside.

Immediate aftermath. The explosion left Kilee with second and third-degree burns covering 45% of her body. Her neighbors, Carol and Stanley, rushed to help, pouring water over her and calling 911. Kilee's family was quickly notified, and she was airlifted to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Cincinnati, beginning a challenging journey of recovery and resilience.

2. The Power of Family Support in Recovery

We just took it one day at a time, because we didn't know what she would or could do. We wanted Kilee to be comfortable with herself, above all.

Unwavering family dedication. Kilee's family, including her mother Lori, father Jason, stepfather Wade, and brother Cameron, rallied around her during her 38-day stay at Shriners. They took shifts to be with her, providing emotional support and assisting with her care. The experience brought the family closer together, strengthening their bonds and reshaping their priorities.

Balancing care and normalcy. While focusing on Kilee's recovery, the family also tried to maintain some sense of normalcy, especially for Cameron. They encouraged him to continue with school and basketball, recognizing the importance of keeping routines amid the chaos. This balance helped the family cope with the stress and uncertainty of Kilee's situation.

3. Shriners Hospital: A Beacon of Hope and Healing

Shriners is the best place for her. You're going to make it. Kilee's going to make it. Everything's going to be all right.

Specialized care and support. Shriners Hospitals for Children in Cincinnati provided Kilee with expert medical care tailored to her severe burns. The staff, including Dr. Richard Kagan, worked tirelessly to save Kilee's life and restore her physical function. They performed multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and provided comprehensive therapy to aid her recovery.

Holistic approach to healing. Beyond physical treatment, Shriners offered psychological support and prepared Kilee and her family for the challenges ahead. The hospital's approach included:

• Regular therapy sessions to regain mobility and function
• Counseling to address emotional trauma
• Education for the family on post-hospital care
• Gradual preparation for returning to normal life

4. Overcoming Physical and Emotional Challenges

I am not a victim. I am a survivor.

Grueling recovery process. Kilee faced numerous physical challenges during her recovery, including painful daily baths, therapy sessions, and learning to perform basic tasks again. She had to wear pressure garments and undergo regular stretching exercises to prevent scarring and maintain mobility. The process was often painful and frustrating, but Kilee's determination helped her push through.

Emotional resilience. Along with physical challenges, Kilee grappled with emotional and psychological hurdles. She struggled with changes in her appearance, loss of independence, and adjusting to a new normal. However, Kilee's positive attitude and the support of her family and medical team helped her overcome these obstacles. She chose to view herself as a survivor rather than a victim, which became a crucial mindset in her recovery.

5. The Impact of Media Attention and Celebrity Support

Meeting Justin Bieber kickstarted Kilee into full-on recovery mode. I will always be grateful to him for that.

Unexpected spotlight. Kilee's story attracted significant media attention, bringing both challenges and opportunities. The family initially hesitated to engage with the media but eventually saw it as a way to raise awareness and inspire others. Kilee appeared on The Doctors TV show, where she received a surprise visit from Justin Bieber.

Celebrity encounter as motivation. The meeting with Justin Bieber proved to be a turning point in Kilee's recovery:

• It boosted her confidence and morale
• Provided a distraction from the challenges of recovery
• Motivated her to work harder in therapy
• Increased public awareness of her story and burn survivors in general

6. Returning to School: A New Normal

I just wanted to be treated like me. It made me sad because these were my friends for so long and I just wanted them to treat me like normal.

Challenges of reintegration. Returning to school was a significant milestone in Kilee's recovery. She faced several challenges:

• Adapting to a new routine while still undergoing therapy
• Managing physical limitations and ongoing recovery
• Dealing with changed social dynamics and others' perceptions
• Balancing schoolwork with medical appointments and foundation work

Finding her place again. Despite initial awkwardness, Kilee gradually readjusted to school life. She participated in activities like homecoming and prom, which helped her feel more like herself. Her friends and teachers provided support, though Kilee sometimes struggled with wanting to be treated normally while still needing accommodations.

7. Kilee Gives Back: Turning Tragedy into Philanthropy

I want the foundation to raise as much money as possible, just because I know how it is. I feel like it's my job to help them in some way.

Creating a legacy of giving. Inspired by the care she received and the outpouring of support from her community, Kilee established the Kilee Gives Back Foundation. The foundation's primary goals include:

• Raising money for Shriners Hospitals
• Providing support to other burn survivors and their families
• Increasing awareness about burn injuries and recovery

Ongoing commitment to helping others. Kilee's foundation has organized several successful fundraising events, including celebrity golf tournaments. These efforts have raised substantial funds for Shriners and allowed Kilee to give back to the institution that played a crucial role in her recovery.

8. The Importance of Positive Attitude in Recovery

I know there's a reason why this happened to me. I think it has something to do with what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.

Mindset shapes outcomes. Kilee's positive attitude played a crucial role in her recovery. She approached challenges with determination and refused to let her injuries define her. This mindset helped her:

• Stay motivated during difficult therapy sessions
• Cope with changes in her appearance and abilities
• Inspire others facing similar challenges
• Find meaning and purpose in her experience

Turning tragedy into opportunity. By viewing her experience as an opportunity for growth and helping others, Kilee transformed a potentially devastating event into a catalyst for positive change in her life and the lives of others.

9. Rebuilding Life: A New Home and Fresh Start

We are living in today, and every day is like a vacation to us. We are excited for each day as if it were a vacation day.

Physical and emotional rebuilding. The Brookbank family's home was destroyed in the explosion, forcing them to rebuild both physically and emotionally. The process of constructing a new home on the same land became symbolic of their journey of recovery and renewal.

New perspectives on life. The experience of rebuilding taught the family valuable lessons:

• Appreciation for each day and moment together
• The importance of creating new memories while honoring the past
• Resilience in the face of adversity
• The true meaning of "home" as being wherever family is together

10. Senior Year: Triumphs and New Beginnings

Senior year was a clean slate for me.

Milestone achievements. Kilee's senior year marked significant accomplishments in her recovery journey:

• Playing soccer again, fulfilling a major recovery goal
• Graduating with honors despite earlier setbacks
• Choosing a college (Xavier University) and planning for the future
• Welcoming a new baby sister, Carter, into the family

Looking to the future. As Kilee prepared for college, she reflected on her journey and the person she had become. Her experiences shaped her outlook on life, strengthened her relationships, and gave her a sense of purpose. She looked forward to new challenges and opportunities, carrying with her the lessons and strength gained from her remarkable recovery.

Last updated: July 27, 2024