A 14-year-old named Kennedy from Xenia, Ohio, suffered third-degree burns on her arm while attempting to clean her nails next to a lit candle. The incident occurred on January 5 as Kennedy prepared to join her cheerleading squad for a school basketball game. “As I was setting the bottle of nail polish remover down on my bed, the fumes kind of just mixed together, and the bottle exploded in my hand; it caught me and everything near me on fire,” the teen recalled.
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According to the New York Post, Kennedy’s siblings were present and quickly intervened to put out the fire on her body. They also called 911 for immediate assistance. Kennedy was subsequently taken to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, a specialized pediatric facility for burn care. Dr. Sara Higginson, a burn and trauma surgeon, operated on Kennedy, performing a significant procedure to clean her wounds and remove dead skin. She also underwent a surgical excision and grafting procedure.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Kennedy has made remarkable progress in her recovery. She is healing well and expects to heal fully by March or April 2025. Kennedy’s resilience and positive attitude have impressed her doctors, who anticipate minimal scarring and functional recovery. She will continue physical and occupational therapy at Shriners, along with laser treatments, to optimize the functionality of her scars.
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The traumatic experience has taught Kennedy to be more cautious and aware of her surroundings. She now understands the importance of taking precautions and being mindful of potential accidents. Kennedy and her mother share their story to raise awareness about the dangers of open flames and accelerants. Dr. Higginson supports their efforts, emphasizing the need for safety measures and a three-foot safety buffer between flames and flammable substances. By spreading this safety message, Kennedy hopes to prevent similar accidents and protect others from harm.