Posted: 6/3/2019
‘I learned to live, not just survive’
It’s been more than two decades since Ketrick “KeeKee” Jordan first attended Parkland Health & Hospital System’s camp for children with burn injuries. But this year he is eagerly anticipating the first week of June and getting together with others like him. Camp was, after all, a place free from stares, questions and a haven where kids could be kids.
Jordan was just 10 when he was severely burned in an unsolved arson that claimed the lives of his brothers, sisters and a niece, leaving him as the sole survivor. In the years since the 1988 fire, Jordan underwent several operations, including the amputation of both of his legs and removal of three finger tips above the first knuckle on the left hand. Although prosthetic legs have allowed him to walk again, because of his burn injuries it’s often easier and less painful for the now 41-year old to use a wheelchair.
Jordan, who attended camp until he was 18 and “they kicked me out because of my age” is returning to Camp I-Thonka-Chi, which is Choctaw for “a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life” for the first time since the mid-1990s. Held at Camp John Marc near Meridian, Texas, the Parkland Burn Camp is celebrating its 28th anniversary. More than 70 campers are expected to attend this year’s camp, which runs from Sunday, June 2 through Friday, June 7.
“Camp helped me through a lot of hard times. I was young, a double amputee,” Jordan said, his voice trailing off. “I used to be mad, sad, and didn’t know how to ‘feel.’ There was a lot of crying at night and plenty of tears shed. But the counselors and the other campers helped me so much. That’s why I’m looking forward to going back this time as a counselor.”
Jordan said it’s not just the children who look forward to the week-long camp. Adults become kids at heart as they too participate in horseback riding, canoeing, swimming and archery, among other activities that last from dawn to dusk. “I’m looking forward to the smiles on everyone’s face, to being involved and most importantly, to giving back,” he said.
Donna Crump, Parkland physical therapy manager and co-founder and director of Camp I-Thonka-Chi, concurs.
“We’ve had counselors and chaperones who have come back year after year to be with the kids during camp,” Crump said. “Everyone looks forward to it and many plan their vacations around coming to camp. It’s really hard to describe the impact that Camp I-Thonka-Chi makes on you emotionally and spiritually. It’s something that lasts a lifetime.”
Volunteering and giving back is something dear to Jordan who says he owes so much to those who were there for him during dark times. These days, Jordan says, “I don’t just survive, I live.” He’s also written a book, Still Standing: A true life story of Ketrick Jordan that he hopes will inspire others. Available on Amazon, the book chronicles the pain and physical limitations that Jordan persevered through and how he continued to live life to the fullest.
“Even though there were times I thought circumstances would break me down, there came a point that I realized I needed to go through and conquer the pain. As a result,” he says, “I’ve put in a lot of time living. That’s why it’s so important to share what I’ve learned with others.”
Camp I-Thonka-Chi welcomes children ages 6 to 18, and unlike some other charity programs, it is not supported by a national organization. Children can attend for free thanks to the generous donations of Parkland employees and area donors. Camp John Marc also helps with fundraising so more children can attend. During the weeklong event campers build friendships, improve social skills and simply have fun without being self-conscious of their scars or injuries.
Established in 1962, the Parkland Burn Center provides care to more than 1,800 patients annually. Serving North Texas and surrounding areas, this comprehensive burn center is one of only 74 verified burn centers in North America and the only one in North Texas, and provides all services from emergency treatment to intensive care to rehabilitation and outpatient follow-up care.
For more information on Camp I-Thonka-Chi or to make a donation, please visit Parkland Burn Camp. For more information on services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com