Mary Hessel was injured and severely burned in a house fire in 1996. It was shortly thereafter that Mary and her husband, Tom, were introduced to the Phoenix Society. They were so impressed with the services the Phoenix Society offers, especially after attending World Burn Congress, that they were moved to start the Tom and Mary Hessel endowment fund. From then on, Mary has had a very active role with the Phoenix Society and has volunteered many hours to assisting in its fund development.

Mary is now a mother of two beautiful daughters and resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her family. Mary currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer on the Phoenix Society Board of Trustees.