Ninety-One Days to Recovery
Mention the words "burn center" and one thinks of patients suffering from injuries from a house fire, a chemical spill or perhaps an electrical accident. The Joseph M. Still Burn Center is one of the largest burn units in the country, admitting more than 2,000 patients annually. Approximately ten percent are treated for non-burn related wounds including decubitus ulcers, TENS/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF), also commonly referred to as "flesh eating bacteria." You probably remember Aimee Copeland, a college student from Atlanta, who gained national attention when she contracted NF and was treated in the Burn Center in 2012. The infection left Aimee a quadruple amputee, with the loss of her hands, a foot and a leg.
Just as the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation provides services for burn patients and their families, it does the same for non-burn patients. For nearly 15 years, Mattie Johnson's husband, Joe, a retired Savannah Firefighter, had been plagued with a chronic wound. Last year, Joe's doctor referred him to the Burn Center for treatment. Unfortunately, by the time Joe arrived in Augusta, his medical condition had worsened and his infection had spread.
After 91 days in ICU and Rehab, Joe was able to return to his home, but Mattie will never forget the three months that she spent as the Burn Foundation's guest. "The Chavis House was very clean, very homey. The kindness shown by the staff was wonderful," shared Mattie, a retired schoolteacher. "They treat you like you are part of their family."
Building relationships with other patients' family members was a natural experience, according to Mattie. "You meet so many different kinds of people in the Chavis House. Friendships are formed as they support and encourage one another."
Mattie shared that a ministry takes place among the patients and families at the
Burn Center and Chavis House. "Everyone seems to be Christian-minded and spirit-filled. You see it and feel it with everyone you encounter. The food ministry is outstanding. The meals are well planned and nutritional. Not only do they bring physical food, but they also bring spiritual food."
Joe and Mattie, now back home in Savannah, will soon be celebrating 48 years of marriage. While Joe prefers a leisurely life of watching his favorite sports teams, Mattie enjoys traveling and volunteering with civic organizations, Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Jack & Jill of America Inc. She is the School Day Coordinator for Savannah's Black Heritage Festival and is active with Saint Philip AME Church.
Looking back, Mattie hopes others will appreciate the services of the Burn Foundation as much as her family does. "We will forever be grateful for the encouragement that we received from the entire staff. Thank you for every kindness shown to us."