It’s a story of unimaginable pain, incredible strength, and a dream that refused to die. Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun was just fourteen when she survived a tragic electrocution that claimed her aunt’s life and left her with severe burns over nearly half her body. She lost a leg, but not her will to live, or to serve others. Fast forward to today, Damari is walking a very different path—across the graduation stage, proudly receiving her medical degree. Now, she’s on a mission to become a burn surgeon, using her own journey to help others heal. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a remarkable story of resilience and purpose.
Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun’s life changed in an instant. She was just fourteen when a tragic accident struck, she and her aunt were adjusting an antenna when it touched a high-tension wire. Her aunt died on the spot. Damari survived, but barely. She spent five weeks in intensive care at Shriner’s Hospital, fighting to recover from severe burns. Doctors had to amputate one of her legs, and she later had to learn how to walk again using a prosthetic limb. In a 2015 interview, Damari shared the pain and strength it took to get through that life-altering moment.
Damari Tesucun, Burn Victim (File: April 15th, 2015)
“Seeing my family go through this pain made me realize how important life is and how important being in a family is and the role of a mother and father that takes place. I wanted to somehow take off that pain from them and just carry it myself, but it was difficult, because it was my mother, she has to feel the pain I was going through. I couldn’t do anything but pray for them, pray that he gives us this peace, that tranquility we need for that moment.”
Damari Tesucun, Medical School Graduate
“Graduating feels surreal. Looking back I feel very grateful for the scholarship opportunity I got and I can see how much I have grown, both academically and personally. I face many challenges, but each step helps me grow. I have become very stronger now. So I feel very grateful and honored and humbled that I have gotten to this place.”
Even after all she’s been through, Damari Tesucun’s journey hasn’t been without new challenges. While studying in Taiwan, she received a new prosthetic, but as she tells it, that upgrade came with complications. The device led to painful pressure ulcers, adding yet another hurdle to her already incredible path. But true to form, Damari didn’t let it stop her. Her determination to become a burn surgeon remains as strong as ever.
“So, I had wounds and despite having those wounds I still had to go to school, I still had to go to the hospital and I was in so much pain and I remember I had to go to the doctor for an appointment and when I got there the doctor told me I had to rest for two weeks and I told him that is not even a possibility. Missing two weeks of school means I would lose so many learning opportunities and my grade would be affected.”
Damari Tesucun
“From a very tender age, at four years old I knew this is the path I wanted to take and when I was in my accident I was in a burn hospital, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Texas. I was surrounded by amazing burn surgeons, doctors and they really inspired me, giving me the best healthcare I could have ever experienced. When I got to that point, I knew that burn surgery was something I wanted to do. I am still on that path, hopefully I can accomplish it soon.”
“I want people to never stop dreaming, to never stop pursuing their goals, even if the journey may seem difficult, we stay committed to our dream and work tirelessly towards it. We cannot lose sight of it, even if obstacles threaten to shatter them. We must keep working and pursuing our goals.”
From entrusting her life into the hands of medical doctors fifteen years ago, to becoming one herself, life has come full circle for Damari Tesucun. And throughout those years, one message has remained steadfast. She shared it in 2015.
“You can do everything and what the bible says you can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.”
Damari Tesucun
“Like I always say, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez