Eleven year old Collin Gallagher
loves to play baseball, and enjoys going to school and playing with
his friends. However, during Labor Day weekend 2004, Collin
nearly lost his life in a house fire. He suffered burns over nearly
50% of his body.
Collin’s first few months of critical care were provided at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Center in Allentown. In the Fall of 2004, Collin returned home. That's when his family started bringing him to John Heinz Rehab Pediatric Program. His therapists, Mary Beth Spellman and Kirsten Sensbach, have worked with Collin and his family to "stretch" the scar tissue that covers so much of his skin surface and to provide physical and occupational therapy to regain his range of motion. In fact, John Heinz Rehab has helped to subsidize thousands of dollars to purchase two types of wound dressings that were not fully funded by Collin's health insurance. These dressings have aided the healing process for Collin's burns.
Today, Collin attends Kistler Elementary School and is one of the stars of his South Wilkes-Barre Little League team. He also spends time playing and fighting with his little brother, Conor. Mike Gallagher credits a great deal of his son's recovery to the outstanding staff and care provided at John Heinz Rehab. Collin and his family are grateful for social worker Wendy DeLisi's efforts to coordinate insurance coverage.
The Gallaghers are appreciative of the support staff at John Heinz, and particularly his therapists Mary Beth and Kirsten. Collin is proud to be one of this year's Pediatric Ambassadors to promote the excellent pediatric care provided at John Heinz Rehab.