Grateful Patient Gives Back by Helping Others Heal

In 1997, Tony Gonzalez survived when the house where he was working ignited and he sustained burns to 95% of his body. His journey brought him to Loyola University Medical Center where he received on-going care for his injuries. With one of the preeminent burn centers in the Midwest, Loyola Medicine is a national leader in burn, trauma and emergency care.

Tony refers to the burn team as "my angels." Looking back on his time at Loyola, Tony noted that while many of the medical procedures are uniform across healthcare providers, "Loyola took my care to the next level and treated me like a person. I was offered more than just care, I was allowed my dignity."

"Loyola Medicine's Burn Center helps save the lives of many burn survivors- mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The work they do in support for survivors and those most in need is incredible." - Tony Gonzalez

Tony shared that he felt part of the Loyola community and support through being around others with similar injuries and experiences. Grateful for his care, Tony began volunteering through a mentoring pilot program lead by the Phoenix Society in 2001. Loyola was one of six burn centers to lead the program that now benefits over 70 hospitals. By providing comfort and support to other patients, he was able to aid in patients' overall healing and recovery.

His attentive assistance in the mental and physical healing of burn survivors allowed him to form forever bonds with the patients, faculty and staff at Loyola. Tony describes how even 24 years after his initial injury, he is still dealing with his burns. "They are a part of my life. The burn can control you or you can continue living life and choose to control the burn."

In 2005, Tony established the Burn Awareness Golf Outing to support survivors and their families on the road to recovery. Since its inception, the golf outing has raised over $300,000 for the Links of Hope Survivor Support Group Fund. Additionally, in recognition of the exceptional care received by Loyola, Tony has generously supported the Burn Center with patient rooms that focus on recovery and healing.

Thanks to recent gifts from the annual golf outing, Loyola's Burn Center purchased new monitors with advanced technology to assist in sedation and discerning the comfort level of patients during hydro and grafting procedures.

In the coming year, Tony will be celebrating 25 years of being a survivor. His journey has been one of inspiration for so many. With the support of his family, friends and community, Tony looks forward to each day and how he can share hope. "When hope is exposed to a group that doesn't know of its existence, the reclaiming of your power brings choices that move communities," said Tony. "Those with hope want to share it daily. They volunteer, they step up to the plate, they inspire."