Reflecting on My Experience at Phoenix World Burn Congress 2023

My name is Dan Gropper, and I am a burn survivor and quad amputee. In October 2023, I attended my fourth Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC). In the past, I attended Phoenix WBCs in Baltimore, Galveston, and New York. However, this really felt like my first one in a lot of ways. I had participated in previous conferences, but this one was special because I was so much more involved.

When I first arrived, I went over to the exhibition booths to help my brother Josh Gropper, along with his law partner Kris Nejat of Gropper & Nejat (shameless plug #1). Josh transitioned into personal injury law because of my accident because he saw firsthand the difference a good lawyer could make in the lives of a burn survivor and his family. I was in a fire back in 1989. I was burned over 78% of my body. Due to infections from the significant burns, I lost both hands, below the elbow, and both legs, above the knee. I spent six months in the burn unit and a year in rehab at Nassau County Medical Center, NCMC. My real story, or rather what I want my story to be, isn't what happened to me. It's how I've lived since my accident.

My life, in one word, is great. I go to concerts, travel, go to football, basketball, baseball games, UFC's, play golf, and exercise (weight training at the gym, boxing, and walking). I’ve even done an hour and a half on the treadmill…not just standing on it, but actually walking.. I volunteer to tell OT and PT students my story and show off my various prosthetics. I'm part of the Phoenix Society's SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program, and I'm on the council to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Nassau County, New York. I say 98% of the time, I'm a taker, but 2% of the time I give back. I'm always doing and going and living my life as if it won't last forever because, as many of us who have had near-death experiences know, life can be short. Many of us are fortunate to be alive.

At the Gropper Nejat booth during Phoenix WBC 2023, we promoted our breakout session, "The Healing Power of Laughter." My brother had thought that by me telling my jokes, it could help other burn survivors cope with their injuries and deal with the "elephant in the room." A lot of people have a tough time dealing with burn injuries. He's seen first hand how I've used my humor to help ease potentially awkward situations. My brother is proud of me, and I'm equally proud of him. He really shines when the spotlight is on. He's so smooth on stage, a real natural. Also, he pushed me and pushed for this session. I can honestly say that he makes me a better person.

My point to people is they don't have to be funny, but if you're making fun of yourself, it can help to make people feel more comfortable. They say, if this guy is okay with his injuries, then I'm okay with it too. I also use humor as a way to deal with overly curious and sometimes annoying strangers. I'll give them some one-liners like "I was roasting marshmallows. The things we do for s'mores," or "I stayed out in the sun too long. Next time, I'll use a higher SPF." Due to the nature of the jokes, Phoenix Society was initially hesitant to host the session but Josh kept at it, explaining that we would be careful not to offend. Finally, last year, we did our session virtually! Josh, myself, the late, great James Bosch, explained the psychology behind the jokes, and burn surgeon, Darnell Brown, offered a medical perspective, hosted the session, and it went exceptionally well.

This year, along with Josh and myself, we had Mikki Rothbauer, a psychologist, and Amy Pakes, former head nurse at NCMC, where I was treated. They were both welcome additions. Mikki offered her perspective on what goes on behind the joke. How does it make the joke teller feel, and how does the person hearing the joke feel. Amy offered her medical viewpoint and had some great insight into my crazy family and the shared experiences we had while I was a patient. We did a taped version a few weeks before Phoenix WBC, which you can check out online (shameless plug # 2). Doing the session in person was totally different than the taped version. The content was mostly the same, but just having the energy from the crowd was amazing. We really fed off of it!

I never could have expected the turnout we had at Phoenix WBC. We had expected 40-50 people at our session, but close to 150 people showed up. People were so receptive to my jokes like "it cost me an arm and a leg," "I used to be 6 feet, now I'm 4 feet. I lost 2 feet." When my stepfather wasn't doing so well, my mom asked me, "what are your thoughts on cremation?" I said, "I tried it once. I didn't really care for it." Then, some of the attendees shared their own jokes, which were great to hear. One girl shared with us the gift we had given her. That she was allowed to laugh. She hadn't realized she could make light of her injuries. It blew us away. People approached us afterward, telling us how much they enjoyed our session. In fact, Phoenix Society suggested I do a podcast (shameless plug #3), which I'm still considering.

The following day, I helped to lead an amputee support group, which was so rewarding. Everyone shared their amazing stories. We talked about several subjects that were of concern. The support between these strangers for one another was remarkable to see and be a part of. Really, that, to me, is what it's all about—sharing experiences with amazing people. I met so many incredible people over the few days I was there.

There was the talent show, which my brother hosted (He never met a mic he didn't like). Nine courageous performers either sang, or played the keyboards, and there was even a comedian. The dance was a lot of fun. People really let loose. The whole experience brings up some tough stuff that we've all dealt with, whether you're a burn survivor or a family member. Being able to dance and have fun is a cathartic experience.

All in all, this year's Phoenix WBC was so rewarding. It was one of those unforgettable experiences. I can't wait until the next one. Dallas, here we come!!