With a lifelong dream of service and a family of military veterans, Jason had always felt a call to service. Jason gave up a high-school golf scholarship to join the U.S. Airforce, and later took a job with the Arizona public service where he worked while raising his family. It wasn’t until March 26, 1999, when Police Officer Marc Atkins was shot and killed after being ambushed by suspected drug traffickers that Jason decided to pursue a dream of becoming a police officer. Shortly after becoming an officer, however, Jason was struck while on patrol and burned over 40% of his body. Inside this episode, we talk with Jason about his experience and recovery after the night of his accident, why he believes so passionately about the gift of tissue donation, and his journey to getting back out into the world as a burn survivor. Jason’s story will inspire, motivate, and encourage you to join forces this month in honor of Donate Life month to become an organ donor yourself!About Jason SchechterleGrowing up, Jason had one dream - to serve as a Phoenix Police Officer.  Inspired by the tragic loss of a local law enforcement hero, Jason worked persistently toward his dream. After serving four years in the Air Force, at the age of 26, Jason achieved his goal to work on the streets of Phoenix as a rookie police officer.  Then, only 14 months into what was supposed to be a lifelong career, Jason's life took an unexpected, dramatic, and, at the time, tragic turn.On the night of March 26th, 2001, a taxi cab crashed into the rear of Jason's patrol car.  Upon impact, Jason's car burst into flames, trapping him inside with temperatures reaching over 700 degrees.Through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, Jason survived the crash and the ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe.  He suffered severe burns to over 40% of his body which drastically altered his appearance. He has undergone more than 55 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks we often take for granted. Jason's journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy, and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity.  His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished.    His story is one of life, rebirth, and transformation. Jason represents the human experience at its very best - an ascent from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive!Resources from the ShowSupport Donate LifeLearn More About Donate Life MonthVisit Jason’s websiteFollow Jason on InstagramFollow Jason on TwitterJoin Jason on LinkedInLearn more about Jason & Valleywise HealthRead about Tombstone (Jason’s favorite movie)Learn more about Community Tissue ServicesRead Jason Schecterie’s Phoenix Society articleRead about ways survivors honor their burniversariesWhat is the burniversary effect? About AllosourceAlloSource is one of the largest human tissue providers, honoring tissue donors by creating allografts to help patients heal from burn injuries, and they support burn survivors every step of the way.https://allosource.org/ Sponsor Girls with Grafts Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. Enjoyed the show? Tell us on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!