A Phoenix Rising

Connor McKemey, of Tega Cay, SC, was 13-years-old when he was injured and this month celebrates his 18th birthday.   When you meet Connor you realize that he's not your typical teenager; his accomplishments as a student athlete would amaze anyone, and are compounded by the fact that just five years ago he was given little chance of surviving his catastrophic burn injuries. Consider this resume for Connor, a senior at Ft. Mill High School:

• Member of 2011 Varsity Lacrosse State Champion Team
• Team Carolina Lacrosse Club Ball
• Golf Team
• Role in the school's play, The Outsiders
• UDP Spirit Team
• Student Council Officer
• York County Youth Leadership
• Palmetto Boys State Delegate
• Most Influential Teen 2012 - Charlotte Magazine

These are remarkable accomplishments for any teenager. However, imagine juggling these responsibilities while enduring more than 100 reconstructive surgeries since 2008. When asked if he has any limitations, Connor replies, "I basically can do anything I want to do, anything I have a passion to do, if I put in hard work and time. It may take me more time to get it accomplished, but I can do anything if I put my mind to it."

"Passion" is the operative word. Connor's zest for living is an inspiration to many. While filming Trial by Fire, Connor became good friends with J.R. Martinez, a burn survivor from an Iraqi bomb explosion and Dancing with the Stars winner.   Connor even asked for J.R.'s help in asking his date to the prom last year. It worked. She said, "yes."

Trial by Fire Director, Megan Smith-Harris and her husband, Bill, also found something remarkable about Connor and his family as they interviewed them, along with hundreds of burn survivors, for the documentary. Connor, his parents, George and Karin, and brothers, Tripp and Quinn, are seen throughout the 90 minute film, which captures the love and support of the McKemey Family.

"Making the movie was a lot of fun," said Connor. "It was a cool experience having the camera follow me all over the place. It was reality TV. I think the film is very well done and has a great message. "

Sharing the message is something to which Connor has grown accustomed. Connor has no hesitation about being in the public's eye and letting the world see his scars. He frequently speaks to burn survivors and other groups. "I like it when people ask me about my scars because it allows me the opportunity to tell my story, and once I've shared my story, I can tell that they become much more comfortable around me and tend to look at me without the scars."

Family and community support are another point that Connor likes to emphasize when speaking to families of burn survivors. "I wish every burn patient had the same support I did," explained Connor. "I had a strong family foundation and huge support from my community when I returned home. No one gave me any breaks, and I didn't want any, but I felt loved and encouraged, and it gave me the confidence to move on."

Connor's next big decision is where to attend college. He plans to major in sports management and would like to coach one day. There is no doubt that he will continue to inspire others along the way.