John Russell Comerford, Burn Survivor Recovery

John (Russell) Comerford is a 19 year old native of South Knoxville, TN. He attended Dogwood Elementary, South Doyle Middle and High School. When not working on assignments to complete for completing his school online, or at his job, John can be found butting heads on the Knoxville Possums, Knoxville Rugby Team.

On 3/27/24 John was in an unfortunate accident at work where 5 gallons of 400 degree oil toppled over onto him. Head, neck, stomach and private were the only parts that were spared. 50% of his body is acquired 2nd or 3rd degree burns. He is presently under Vanderbilt’s care for at least the next few weeks. He has already undergone multiple surgeries and skin grafts. Despite unfathomable pain he smiles, blames no one, trusts the Lord, and remains optimistic about his recovery and future.

Please consider donating funds or clothing items to supplement the very modest lost wages pay he will receive from workman’s comp. All funds will go to his benefit. Prayers are welcomed.

Update: as of yesterday 4/5 , John reports having had his 4th skin graft surgery some of which he has been completely awake for. John says the staples are miserable. They also use a machine to scrub/sand the skin in some areas. He bleeds A LOT form these interventions. His body has to work overtime to make plasma to heal. He deals with high grade intermittent fevers which are to be expected at this time. Swelling is another factor he is challenged by. His pain levels are barely tolerable and his spirits are diminishing some. Dr’s are concerned that his left foot is not healing as they had hoped; therefore, another surgical operation will be performed next week to attempt to repair the foot. Please pray for his recovery.

4/13 To date John has endured a whopping 6 surgeries, and yet he is likely to have more. His medical team will meet on Tuesday of next week to determine whether or not they will perform additional surgery/surgeries on both his calves and left foot. IF surgery is scheduled it is likely to be on Wednesday. Each of those areas have yet to heal as we have hoped. His pain remains intense. He was grateful to have the 40 staples removed from his hand this week. His left arm and hand have healed well so far. Blessed to report no signs of infection and that his spirits are better than last week’s update.

He doesn’t much care for hospital food and yet he desperately needs to keep his calorie count high to produce sufficient plasma to facilitate tissue healing. Some of these donations may go towards DoorDash or Ubers for some of his preferred foods while he recovers.

Also, John can have visitors 2 at a time if you are so inclined to visit. You must be well and will be provided hospital garments to go over your clothing during visits. Texts and calls are welcomed too!!!

4/13 John has had surgery on both hands which has made self care and phone communication very challenging as he deals with pain and swelling.

4/17 We believe that he is done, at least for now, with surgeries. We were excited to hear that he may be released in the coming days/week. He is anxious to be out of a hospital and closer to friends and family. AND pray for the desperate soul(s) kept stealing his meal deliveries from Uber/Doordash/Grubhub .