A Son and Father’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Life After a Burn Injury

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Dr. Charles McKenzie and his son, Scott, to talk about burn recovery, family support, and the lasting impact of community.❤️ Scott was just 10 years old when he survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks at the Arizona Burn Center. Now a 17-year-old high school senior, rugby player, and outdoor adventurer, Scott reflects on his injury, returning to school, and the incredible support he received from family, friends, and his community—including a memorable school drop-off in a Ferrari from fellow local survivor Jason! 🚗 Charlie talks about his experience as both a parent and a pediatric dentist. He also discusses how Scott’s recovery inspired him to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns. Together, Scott and Charlie share advice for parents and caregivers, what it means to give back, and how the burn community continues to show resilience, connection, and the power of living full lives after injury. ✨ To learn more about Charlie’s work with specialized oral appliances for facial burns, visit Kenzie Therapy at kenzietherapy.com #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors! Meet Our Guests Dr. Charles McKenzie is a pediatric dentist at Valleywise Health, home of the Arizona Burn Center—and he’s joining us today alongside his son, Scott. Scott is a 17-year-old high school senior, outdoor adventurer, rugby player, and all-around fixer who’s known for his kindness and inclusivity. When he was just 10 years old, Scott survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks in the burn center. That life-changing experience shaped both of their paths. While Scott grew into the resilient, community-minded teen he is today, Dr. McKenzie combined his experience as a father and a dentist to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns—work he now continues as part of the hospital burn care team. Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Cunningham Law Firm! Located in Phoenix, Arizona and helping clients nationwide, the Cunningham Law Firm specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and burn related cases. Learn more by visiting https://cunninghamlawfirm.com. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.