The article talks about Connor’s “next  chapter in life” and how he has moved on since his tragic burn accident in December 2008. Read Toya’s story at Fort Mill Times.

Connor continues to amaze us with his recovery and his attitude. He has achieved many things that we never thought would be possible a year ago. He continues to eat and grow as only teen-aged boys can…

She also created a video reflecting on the year and the Mckemey family story this last year.

Looking back one thought comes to mind, believe in the power of mass prayers!

View Karin’s video below or at http://www.facebook.com/v/204707734493

The Fort Mill Lacrosse Team took the field this Sunday at Elon Park in Charlotte. It’s the first game of the pre-season so you would usually expect some nervous players.

“The first time I stepped on the field today I had butterflies again. I hadn’t felt in a couple of years,” Connor McKemey said.

14-year-old Connor McKemey is feeling more than just your typical jitters. This was a game he never thought he’d be able to play again because of the near fatal burns he suffered.

See more of the story at CN2….

“It’s really, really exciting, you know. Just being away for almost six months, just to be home finally, such a tough road and just to be home is a lot better,” says McKemey.

See the Connor McKemey interview.

• Jake Delhomme
• Jordon Gross
• Travelle Wharton
• Other Teammates

As We Welcome Home Connor McKemey Thursday, May 7th -5:30

• Autographs
• Photographs
• Jersey Auctions
• Raffles

All money raised this evening will benefit TEGA CAY FIRE DEPARTMENT. Come Meet ‘n’ Greet Your Carolina Gridiron Greats!!!

Connor McKemey has endured dozens of surgeries since he was burned in a December accident. But a new technology means he won’t have to undergo one procedure normally required to make a mask designed to help his face heal.

The 13-year-old — who suffered third-degree burns on his face — will need to wear a clear compression mask for 14 months. The mask is designed to help his face heal and appear close to what it looked like before the burns, said Steve Kidd, president of Algona, Wash.-based CimMed.

Read the rest of the story=> http://www.heraldonline.com/120/story/1153165.html

A very important element to Connor’s recovery for Karin and George is to “pay it forward” to the burn center that Connor is at. The center depends on fundraisers and donations to help fund their programs that benefit the survivors and their families as they recover. As the McKemey’s have spent the past two months at the center, they have witnessed many other patients and their families coming in and dealing with those awful first days that they themselves experienced. Not all the families are as blessed as our McKemey’s with an amazing support system not only in family and friends but in community. They receive that support through the programs offered at the center.

Karin has done so much already in helping distraught parents understand what is happening, questions to ask, and how to maneuver around the hospital all the while tending to Connor. But she needs our help to continue to support the center. The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation provides the programs offered at the Burn Center such as a free place for families to stay, meals throughout the day, etc. Please take a moment to review their website and learn about the center, their programs, and how you can help if you wish. One thing to keep in mind, this burn center serves OUR community and as we are seeing – can help create miracles.

2 key things I would like to point out on the site:

1. Rodeo – this is the big fundraiser for the center. They are in need of sponsors of the event (details attached) and what a great day out with friends and family!
2. Local Cans for Cash – Tega Cay Fire Department has a trailer located on site where you can drop off your cans to be converted to cash for burn survivors and their families

Again – on behalf of the family – thank you so much for all your prayers, support, ideas, and good thoughts. They continue to be felt. Please feel free to forward this email on and help bring more awareness to the Burn Center, the foundation, and the programs that need our support.

Article by Debbie Tucker

Links:

Main Page:

http://www.theburncenter.org/index.htm

Events:

http://www.theburncenter.org/events.htm

Fundraisers:

http://www.theburncenter.org/fundraising.htm

Download Rodeo flyer, sponsor packet, and sponsor form

burncenter2009sponsorpacket

burncenter-rode2009-sponsor-commitment-form

rodeo-nights-2009

A woman and her 13-year-old son being treated at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta got an unexpected visit from a famous singer last week.

Country performer Garth Brooks was at the Augusta center Tuesday after hearing the story of Karin and Connor McKemey.

“He came in by himself very quietly,” burn center spokeswoman Beth Frits confirmed Saturday.

She said he even left a guitar for Connor, who remained in critical condition Saturday. “It was just a very sweet thing.”

Read the full story at http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2008/12/28/ent_505634.shtml

McKemey Strong Wristbands are now on sale and available at:

Thunder Athletics
2000 Highway 160, Suite 111
Fort Mill, SC 29708
803.548.6079
http://www.thunderathletics.com

February 2009

• Saturday 2/14 11am – 2pm Car wash at the Sonic Drive-in Hwy 160 Tega Cay – Was canceled because of the  rainy weather.
• Wednesday 2/18 all day at Dr Epps office  in Baxter Village 929 Market St.  Fort Mill, SC 29715 Phone: (803)848-2128.
• Thursday 2/19 Gold Hill Elementary School during lunch periods
• Friday 2/20 Gold Hill Middle School during lunch periods
• Saturday 2/21 9am -3pm Baxter Village YMCA

The next scheduled McKemey Strong wristband sales event will be at the Baxter Village YMCA this Saturday 2/21 from 9am to 3pm