Daily treatments of the deepest burn on her back were still required; but compared to where we had started ten months earlier, it seemed that maybe there was indeed a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Suki continued to improve with the exception of that one deep burn on her back in the spot where a saddle would sit, which continued to be reluctant to heal. Just when it would start to show signs of healing with the formation of a scab, Suki would delight herself with an aggressive roll and tear the wound open once again. Eventually it became necessary to apply a bandage for protection with the hope of preventing infection and avoiding a skin graft.


Unexpected Silver Lining In July 2010 I was contacted by a local veterinarian whose young son had been badly burned in an accident. Her name was Lori and she had read Suki’s story in the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School magazine, Bellwether. Lori was interested in having her son meet Suki because children who have been in similar situations are often more willing to discuss their own accident when spending time with animals. The eleven- year-old boy seemed somewhat intimidated by Suki at first, due to her large size, but with an offering of treats the two became fast friends. He asked a lot about Suki’s treatments and we compared them to his experience. He shared that he hoped her treatments were not as painful as some of his had been. That meeting led to visits from other burn survivors and Lori became a friend and invaluable source of help in caring for Suki. Meeting with burn survivors opened my eyes to Suki’s


potential to help others. They were inspired by Suki’s courage and I was inspired by them. As each person spoke about their own experiences, it was obvious that Suki had prompted these conversations. My most memorable visit from a burn survivor was with a gentleman who had lost his fingers in an explosion. He remarked that when Suki went to take the treats from him he felt as though she understood that he too was injured, nearly bringing him to tears. Slipping his hand into the handle of a body brush, he groomed her gently speaking to her softly the entire time. That same evening during his support group meeting he spoke about his experience with Suki and how much she had inspired him. This prompted him to do something that he was very rarely willing to do: he discussed his own accident and its aftermath. I had found a silver lining.


More Help and Healing By January 2011 it was apparent that the last burn on her back would not heal so veterinarian Mike Fugaro of Centenary College in New Jersey offered to perform a skin graft. I had met Dr. Fugaro when Suki was in New Jersey for training. He had been giving me advice since the fire, explaining the


Suki lost the tips of her ears as a result of her burns. They found one of them in her water bucket one day.


burn healing process and answering my many questions. “Team Suki” was a dedicated group of staff and students who volunteered their time, skills and supplies at no charge for the procedure except for board. Suki’s care up until that point had been costly so this was a welcome gift. Team Suki gave heart and soul caring for her during her two month stay, while students filtered in and out to visit the big chestnut mare who was becoming a celebrity. The skin graft procedure was successful, but we still struggled with healing because of the wound location and Suki’s penchant for Olympic-style rolling. A custom garment was constructed with a saddle pad shaped shell to keep Suki cool in the summer heat while offering maximum protection to the graft. Finally, with continued twice daily monitoring and treatment, the graft healed. By the end of summer 2012 I was able to start experimenting with leaving the graft site without a bandage. Although there was no longer an open wound the skin was quite delicate, with the bandage serving as extra padding for protection. I inserted a foam pad into one of the fly sheets which enabled Suki to go bandage free. Last fall, as the temperatures began to dip the extra thickness of winter blankets offered enough protection, eliminating the need for bandage


or foam padding. Because it is unlikely that Suki will ever grow hair across her back some type of “clothing” is always required during turnout.


A Celebrity is Born Social media such as Suki’s Facebook page and my blog are read by people around the world who continue to be inspired by Suki’s courage and diva personality, something that has never wavered during her recovery. (See Suki’s Facebook page by searching for “Suki burn survivor” at Facebook.com.) At this writing she has attracted over 5,000 Facebook friends. Through Suki I have met wonderful people and have


come to appreciate what is important in life. I regularly receive emails and Facebook posts from burn survivors and their families sharing their stories. Each time I read about a barn fire my heart catches in my throat, knowing just how those affected are feeling. When contacted by those whose horses have been burned, I offer comfort, support and advice, directing them to the experts who helped me. Because aftercare seems to be the least documented area of burn care, I openly share my knowledge of the best skin care products to use, after much trial and error on my own. So now, nearly four years after the fire I consider Suki fully


recovered. She glows with good health, her shiny copper coat dappling in the sunshine. The large patch of skin devoid of hair requires daily exfoliation and moisturizing that I refer to as “spa treatments.” Sunscreen is required for areas not covered by sheets or blankets. This has simply become part


ing treats and impressing everyone with her positive attitude and will to survive.” Warmbloods Today 15


Jennifer Curry Bandura


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