Nearly 200
patients attended the 19
th annual Burn Survivor Sunday at
UPMC Mercy to celebrate their care and recovery
and also say farewell to burn surgeon Jorge Varcelotti, M.D., who is retiring
after providing 25 years of burn injury treatment and prevention.
“It’s been a
great experience. This type of injury is unique and devastating for both
patients and families. It has been very
satisfying to be there for the patient on one side and the family on the other,”
said Dr. Varcelotti.
Burn Survivor
Sunday, an annual event, brings former patients back to meet and tell their
stories about the injuries they have overcome.
The celebration included a visit by a pet therapy dog, Rudy; a balloon
artist; arts and crafts; face painting and a caricature artist from the Art
Institute of Pittsburgh.
“Our goal in
the hospital is to heal the
burn wound, but that is really just the first step
in healing a burned patient. The hardest
part can come after they leave the hospital - working on the emotional and
psychological aspects. It is really
great to see the patients get back to their normal lives,” said
Jenny
Ziembicki, M.D., medical director, UPMC
Mercy Burn Center.
“We are very
happy to recognize such an outstanding group of physicians and caregivers. We
are proud to support the lifesaving work of the burn care team,” said LHAS
President Laura Penrod Kronk.
Pamela Kovak,
of Shadyside, was injured in a cooking accident last December. She suffered third-degree burns and needed
surgery. She says she is doing well and was excited to celebrate with other
burn survivors. “This is fantastic,” she
said. “I am going to come every year.”