2011 Harman Award Presented to the Sharon and George Everett Family

July 9, 2000, forever changed the life of Sharon Everett. A routine trip to the grocery store ended in severe burns to 60% of Sharon’s body when pool chemicals mixed with other household chemicals in a grocery bag in the back seat of Sharon’s car as she pulled into her home driveway. Sharon spent the next 7 months in University Hospital in Cincinnati, 4 of those in a drug-induced coma. She admits her recovery has not been easy and is life-long process – she has spent many years undergoing additional surgeries, therapies, and follow-up care.  

Although she suffered many losses, she will be the first to tell you of all that she has gained.  Sharon, her husband George, and their five children all agree that family support, love, laughter and faith allowed them to emerge not only as survivors, but as thrivers. The Everett family attended their first Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress in 2001, where they were overwhelmed with love and support and have been every year since. The Everetts are strong supporters of the Phoenix Society and its programs, including the World Burn Congress, where they volunteer each year. Sharon and her daughter Kate have also completed the Phoenix Society’s SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) peer supporter training and make regular visits to the hospital to meet with burn survivors and family members who are just beginning their recovery journey.  In addition, since 2005, the Everett family has brought family and friends together to raise money for the Phoenix Society by participating in Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon.  Their Team Phoenix-RISE (Runners Inspired by Survivors Everywhere) has grown to more than 100 runners and has raised more than  $180,000 for the Phoenix Society. Their vision has also helped the Society to engage other runners to raise funds for those very programs that provided the Everett family hope so many years ago.

In recognition of their contributions, the Sharon and George Everett Family was awarded the 2011 Harman Award. The award is presented to an individual or family, corporation, foundation, or civic/service organizations with a proven record of exceptional generosity through direct financial support and/or volunteer effort. Awardees must have demonstrated outstanding volunteer and charitable responsibility and generosity that encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles within the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors so that the Society can further its mission to support those affected by burn trauma.