Emily's Recovery

On Tuesday, October 6, Emily Hespeler was making lunch in her apartment in New York City. She reached over a boiling pot of pasta on the gas stove for a dish in the microwave and her shirt went up in flames. Emily suffered first and second degree burns over 35% of her body and third degree burns over 25%; she remains in the Burn ICU. Thank goodness her roommate was there to help – stop, drop and roll – and called 911.

After four surgeries, a temporary pacemaker and several more skin grafting procedures to come, Emily has a long road ahead to full recovery and a new way of living. She is committed to getting better and continuing to serve her Harlem neighborhood, BronxWorks and the JVC community where she has lived and worked since 2018.

This is not for the family, who do have the means to sustain her immediate medical care. This call to action is for Emily; fighting to get back on her feet, endure more grafting surgeries, physical therapy, some (vegan!) takeout and – eventually – the freedom of an accessible apartment and an Uber ride to continue serving the underserved in Harlem.  

Thanks for your love, prayers and support!