Connor McKemey, “CMAC” as he was known in college, burned 90% of his body, 75% in the third degree at 13 years of age, just before the Christmas holiday. In addition to Connor’s injuries, his mother also suffered burns that day due to aiding Connor in putting out the fire. Connor recalls a long road to recovery and shares that with a very low chance of survival, doctors aimed at keeping him alive just long enough to see his dad return home from Iraq over the holiday. At 27 years old, Connor today shares his story of resilience, perseverance, and his ability not only to survive but thrive after his injuries. In this episode, Connor shares his own story of survival, one with both triumphs and tribulations—from both being afraid to look at his new self in the mirror to setting small goals to achieve big things (like walking at his middle school graduation)!Connor’s positive outlook on life and his ability to thrive will leave listeners not only inspired, but wanting to learn more about what he now calls the “MAC Mentality.” As a motivational speaker and soon-to-be published author, Connor uses his Motivation, Attiude, and Courage as driving factors in his everyday life. About Connor McKemeyA fire dramatically changed the trajectory of Connor McKemey’s life but would not define it.At just 13 years old, Connor was burned over 90% of his body with third-degree burns and given less than a 1% chance of survival after a backyard explosion. After three months in a medically-induced coma, nearly two years of painful rehabilitation, and more than one hundred surgeries over a decade, Connor emerged triumphantly … not only to walk again and live his best life. He went on to play high school and Division I collegiate lacrosse and embarked on a career in coaching and managing an elite university lacrosse program. Through it all, he carved out a life-long mantra of mental resilience and toughness forged from years of dealing with the long journey back from the lowest possible points of just surviving … to thriving. Connor sees his scars as symbols of survival rather than the wounds of a victim. His compelling message of courage and strength resonates with audiences long after an event is over. With brutal honesty and humility, Connor captures the hearts and minds of audiences, demonstrating how to move forward with grace, gratitude, and gut determination in the face of adversity. He inspires audiences to gain perspective and take action in their personal journey to attack life. His uncanny ability to share authentically and spark mind shifts in others is a testament to the power of his message and who he is as an individual.Today, Connor travels the globe sharing his both powerful and inspirational message with companies and organizations large and small across a wide variety of industries.Resources from the Show Connor McKemey’s WebsiteUSA Lacrosse Magazine Articles About Connor: https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/college/men/beneath-the-scars-the-face-of-high-point-lacrosse, https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/college/men/why-connor-mckemey-embodies-everything-we-love-about-what-we-do Getting Back Out There Social Skills Learning CourseWhat is a Zplasty?Laser Treatment for Burn ScarsManaging Heat After a Burn InjuryGoing Home After a Burn Injury, What I Wish I’d KnownBurn Survivors & COVID-19: Thriving in a Post-Pandemic WorldSupporting Children in Reconnecting with Parents and Siblings After Burn TraumaWatch Ted LassoSponsor 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!