Hope, healing, and survival: Research Medical Center reunites burn victims and caregivers

Former burn patients with remarkable stories of recovery – including mother-of-the-groom Cher Harmann and City of Independence Hero Firefighter Michael Peacock–reunited with their care teams on Thursday, March 27, marking the third annual reunion at Grossman Burn Center at Research Medical Center. 

"This reunion validates inspiring commitment in delivering compassionate, high-quality burn care to patients and their families during a critical time in their lives," said Grossman Burn Center Medical Director Meg Garcia, MD. "The opportunity to see these courageous, determined patients recover from life-threatening injuries now thrive is a reminder of why we come together, just like a family, to care for, support and celebrate." 

Cher Harmann

"I can't thank this incredible care team enough," said Butler, Missouri, resident Cher Harmann, who suffered deep second-degree burns to her right arm and lower legs. "One minute, I was working the yard and burning waste, and suddenly I saw fire on my hands, arms, and legs. It was the most painful moment I've ever experienced.  All I could think about was my son's upcoming wedding. 'Would I survive to see him get married?'.  I said to Dr. Garcia, 'My number one goal is to be able to dance at my son's wedding. Thanks to their compassionate and expert care, we danced – and boy, did we dance.'”

Michael Peacock

Peacock, a 17-year fire captain with the City of Independence, Missouri, was burned in a flashover earlier this year while searching for a trapped victim inside a residential structure fire. A flashover occurs when there’s a sudden, near-simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials within an enclosed area due to the rapid buildup of heat and flammable gases, resulting in an immediate and dangerous, rapid-fire expansion. 

His crew members were also burned and sustained significant injuries due to the flashover. The Kearney, Missouri, resident, husband, and father of three was inpatient at Grossman for three days and is currently in outpatient rehab.

“Dr. Garcia and everyone at Grossman Burn Center is amazing,” Peacock said. “I have had several serious injuries in my life while fighting fires that have required surgery. From beginning to end, the entire team was the best I’ve ever had. They work with some of the worst injuries, and the care they give is second to none. I’m grateful for everything they did for me and my crew members who also received care at Grossman Burn Center at Research Medical Center.”

The burn center is renowned for high-quality, expert burn care and reconstructive surgical services in a compassionate, personalized environment. The center features of eight specialized beds, a dedicated burn surgical suite, helipad for rapid transport, and a full continuum of care to outpatient treatment. Services include highly specialized burn and surgical physicians, chaplains, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists as well as burn victim and family support services. Unique and critical to healing, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber to treat burns by increasing oxygen delivery to injured tissues, promoting healing, and potentially reducing infection and scarring. Grossman Burn Center at Research Medical Center has been a part of the Kansas City community for more than 12 years.