Tony Gonzalez walked into Jamie Neito’s hospital room shortly after his burn injury at Loyola Medical Center to provide him Peer Support as a part of Phoenix Society’s SOAR program, and what began as a Peer Support discussion became a lifelong friendship for the two burn survivors. Sharing a love of golf, the two connected and describe their relationship as having developed into a “brotherhood” between the two.In this episode, Jamie and Tony share their vulnerable truths about struggling with their independence, the power of peer support, why patient education and survivor awareness is important, and much more. Jamie and Tony also share exciting details about their annual Phoenix Society fundraiser, their golf outing held in Chicago, Illinois.About Tony GonzalezTony Gonzalez burned 95% of his body in February 1997. The accident was caused by a propane gas explosion at a friend’s vacation cabin in Wisconsin. Tony spent the next nine months in the ICU before spending another two months in rehab before returning home to the Chicago area. He had over 80 surgeries total and thanks his strong, close-knit family for their endless support and guidance throughout his recovery.In 1998, Tony met the founder of Phoenix Society, Alan, and his wife, Delwyn during a peer support visit at Loyola Medical Center. He went on to attend Phoenix World Burn Congress one year later and was trained as a Peer Supporter in the pilot program of Phoenix SOAR in 2001. Since then, Tony has been actively involved with Phoenix Society and the burn survivor community. Tony currently serves on Phoenix Society’s Board of Directors and gives back to the organization in many ways, including his philanthropic support. About Jamie NeitoJamie Neito was burned on his 20th birthday in a backyard fire accident. He went on to spend six weeks in Loyola University Medical Center’s ICU and another five weeks in a rehab center. During his stay at Loyola, Tony visited Jamie through the Phoenix SOAR program - and the sole visit changed his outlook on life completely. Since recovering, Jamie became a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter and tries to support the burn community as much as possible. He went on to finish school and become a member of the PGA of America. Jamie married his wife in 2020 and Tony stood by his side as his best man. Jamie is proud of the work he has done with Tony’s guidance and this year he celebrates half of his life as a burn survivor.  Resources from the ShowLearn more about Phoenix SOARJoin the 16th Annual Golf OutingBurns are Beautiful: Scars & Self-LovePhoenix World Burn CongressGet Virtual Peer Support from Phoenix SocietyView other peer support opportunities on the Phoenix Society calendarDealing with Post Traumatic Stress DisorderThe Portrayal of Survivors in the MediaTips for writing about characters with scarsTips for Getting Back Out There Learning CoursePGA of America’s Deacon Palmer AwardAbout Johnson ControlsJohnson Controls is a global leader in fire safety and suppression technologies, helping to save lives and protect people around the world. Learn more about Johnson Controls by visiting their website: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com. 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!