One of the first things Judy McCorkle noticed was the wind. “I had never seen wind like that on Maui before,” she says. It was Aug. 8, 2023. Devastating flames were ripping through parts of Maui. In Upper Kula, gusts whipped through 70-foot-tall trees in front of McCorkle’s home. Judy and her husband, Tom, evacuated. Later, they returned to find their giant trees uprooted, but their home intact. 

“I was walking down to see how close the fire had gotten,” McCorkle says. “I took a step on what I thought was solid soil, and my foot sank into a hot spot.” 

In seconds, the burning vegetation that was smoldering just below the surface badly burned her feet. Her neighbors called 911. “I thought I was going into shock because I couldn’t stop shaking.” 

McCorkle was medevaced to Straub Medical Center’s Burn Unit, the only unit of its kind in the Pacific. She would be one of nine burn patients from Maui who needed the specialized, intricate care only the unit could provide. It was the most patients from a single event ever in the Burn Unit’s 40-year history. 

“We saw a wide range of wounds, covering anywhere from about 10% to 70% of the patient,” says Amy Chong, RN, Straub Burn Unit’s coordinator. 

Treating burns is a complex process. About 100 Straub nurses, nurse aides and physicians are certified to do just that. Many began evaluating the injuries, then washing and dressing the wounds to ward off the No. 1 risk — infection. 

Burns often leave emotional scars as well. Straub’s psychologists and chaplain, social workers, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists work together to help patients throughout what can be a long journey to recovery. But it was the compassion of the nursing team and doctors that inspired McCorkle. 

“They are just unbelievable,” McCorkle says. When friends and family asked if they could send her flowers or gifts, she told them to give to the Burn Unit instead. 

After 19 days in the Burn Unit, McCorkle headed home but left behind an indelible mark. Fundraising efforts with her friend Donna Howard raised nearly $100,000 for the unit, which depends on donors. In addition, her indomitable spirit helped uplift many during a time of statewide sorrow. 

“She had to endure a lot of pain. She had to learn to walk again. And the entire time, she was always super positive and kind,” Chong says. “We are sad to see Judy go, but we are so happy that she is healed.” 

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