Help Chris Nirschel Recover From Explosion & Burns
Donation protected
On August 29th, 2020, my husband, Christopher Nirschel, was involved in an ethanol-fueled fire pit explosion . He was subsequently set on fire, enduring 2nd & 3rd degree burns on his face, neck, arms, hands and right flank (side). He was airlifted to the Stony Brook University Hospital’s Specialized Burn Unit on Long Island, where he remains hospitalized. Over 20% of his total body surface area (TBSA) was severely burned in the accident.
As we all know, 2020 has been a year like no other. A world-wide pandemic shut down the economy. Many small businesses have permanently closed and the rest are barely holding on. Food service businesses have suffered the most and have been the last to reopen. This has had an extremely detrimental impact on Chris’s catering company, NY Catering Service, as all of the work he had lined up was immediately cancelled when the pandemic hit. Suddenly, Chris found himself without a steady income. This took a major toll on his overall well-being and livelihood. The emotional and financial burden of not being able to work and pay bills was especially difficult for someone who works as hard as Chris does.
After what seemed to be an eternity, things finally started to pick up again for Chris’s catering company this summer.
On the evening of the accident, Chris was excited to be cooking for a new client. The event was going smoothly. When he had a free moment, Chris made his rounds, checking in with the guests, ensuring everyone was having a good time. He noticed a small group of party goers trying to light an outdoor fire pit. Being the helpful guy he is, Chris took on the task of getting the fire pit going. Little did he know his life was about to change forever. The next thing he recalls is an explosion which lit him on fire from his hand, up his body, and to his face. All he remembers is watching in horror as his his skin burned off his body. He rolled around for what felt like an eternity and finally the flames subsided. Unfortunately, not before over 20% of his body was severely burned.
After nearly 3 weeks at the Stony Brook University Hospital Burn ICU and several procedures including skin grafts, Chris still has a long road to recovery ahead of him. He is unable to use his right (dominant) arm/hand to do what he loves most: cooking. The emotional, psychological and financial stress of this has taken a major toll on Chris and my well-being. Between hotels, gas and rental cars, just visiting him during the limited visiting hours has been a major hardship financially as well. From lost wages and lack of future income, to medical expenses, therapy for psychological trauma, physical therapy and aftercare, the financial burden is an added stress which is interfering with Chris’s recovery.
The amount of love and support we have received from everyone has been truly incredible. It is what’s getting us through this nightmare. As uncomfortable as it is, we are asking for your help to get him back on his feet. No donation is too small, and every penny is beyond appreciated.
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS
As we all know, 2020 has been a year like no other. A world-wide pandemic shut down the economy. Many small businesses have permanently closed and the rest are barely holding on. Food service businesses have suffered the most and have been the last to reopen. This has had an extremely detrimental impact on Chris’s catering company, NY Catering Service, as all of the work he had lined up was immediately cancelled when the pandemic hit. Suddenly, Chris found himself without a steady income. This took a major toll on his overall well-being and livelihood. The emotional and financial burden of not being able to work and pay bills was especially difficult for someone who works as hard as Chris does.
After what seemed to be an eternity, things finally started to pick up again for Chris’s catering company this summer.
On the evening of the accident, Chris was excited to be cooking for a new client. The event was going smoothly. When he had a free moment, Chris made his rounds, checking in with the guests, ensuring everyone was having a good time. He noticed a small group of party goers trying to light an outdoor fire pit. Being the helpful guy he is, Chris took on the task of getting the fire pit going. Little did he know his life was about to change forever. The next thing he recalls is an explosion which lit him on fire from his hand, up his body, and to his face. All he remembers is watching in horror as his his skin burned off his body. He rolled around for what felt like an eternity and finally the flames subsided. Unfortunately, not before over 20% of his body was severely burned.
After nearly 3 weeks at the Stony Brook University Hospital Burn ICU and several procedures including skin grafts, Chris still has a long road to recovery ahead of him. He is unable to use his right (dominant) arm/hand to do what he loves most: cooking. The emotional, psychological and financial stress of this has taken a major toll on Chris and my well-being. Between hotels, gas and rental cars, just visiting him during the limited visiting hours has been a major hardship financially as well. From lost wages and lack of future income, to medical expenses, therapy for psychological trauma, physical therapy and aftercare, the financial burden is an added stress which is interfering with Chris’s recovery.
The amount of love and support we have received from everyone has been truly incredible. It is what’s getting us through this nightmare. As uncomfortable as it is, we are asking for your help to get him back on his feet. No donation is too small, and every penny is beyond appreciated.
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS
Organizer and beneficiary
Dana Nirschel
Organizer
New York, NY
Christopher Nirschel
Beneficiary
