You would never know the pain he has experienced if you saw his big broad smile. Tison was only 8 when he was showered with kerosene in an accident in his home on a remote island in Indonesia. His burns were extensive and covered both legs, both feet, torso, arms, neck, chin, ears and the right hand. He had limited undamaged skin to use for grafts. When he was 11 years old he came to Fairbanks, Alaska. An amazing group of medical professionals...

Tison spent 18 months in America where he received reconstructive surgery for burns to his face, arms, right hand, both legs and feet. While he was in the U.S. he became very special to his host family who sent with me several gifts in a big, Green Bay Packers bag for him. I got to take it and give it to him.  He was so excited to get his gifts and card.  He has grown a lot.  Each time I see him I notice he is becoming a young man. He was also...

The transition Tison is making is best described as the tension between two worlds. Tison was born and raised on a remote island in a remote region of Indonesia. His father is a fisherman and lives a subsistence lifestyle. His life was simple and in some ways attractive. Tison came to America and lived with a wonderful family for 18 months. He was so amazing even during the toughest time of surgery and recovery. Tison was smart and learned to...

I seemed like I just finished an around the world non-stop flight. I actually left the island of Halmahera in remote Indonesia on Monday. I have been traveling ever since–either in transit or on the flights. It is good to be home.The purpose of the trip was to take Tison home to his family. He was unsure of himself and how he would react once he got to Indonesia. He got off the last flight and saw his father waiting for him. He just...

Tison had many of his friends at his big party on Sunday. He had a fun day and enjoyed all his friends coming to celebrate with him. Tison will soon be leaving the U.S. and going home. There has been plenty of tears shed as the days count down. It is hard to thank everyone who has had a part in helping him because there have been so many. His main physician came to say goodbye to Tison. It was a joyous event with plenty of food and cake. He...

Tison went to surgery yesterday. He was scheduled to have his right ear repaired. The outer ear was pulled over to a closed position. Due to the burn injury his ear was folded forward and was closed–you could not see his inside of his ear. It was a concern because it was very obvious when you looked at him. He was very self-conscious of it and wanted it to look better.He has had several surgeries that addressed more functional...

We have friends who have a large farm in Alaska. Tison was invited to come down and ride machines with their son. Here is a boy born in Indonesia and now very much a part of life in the arctic.We arrived with plenty of daylight on a beautiful sunny day. It was a little cool but the sun was bright and Tison was more than ready to get on the snow machine and have some fun. He got his winter clothes on and we hardly saw them again. They were just...

This Monday Tison got up just like any other day—other than he could not have breakfast. He got dressed and bundled up in the car. It was around minus 25 degrees F. so we had to wait for the car to warm up. We arrived at the surgery center and he knew the routine. He got his wrist band and was escorted to the pre-op room. The nurses were hardly noticed as they did their paperwork and took all his vital signs. We did find out he is gaining...

Tison has been in Alaska for ten months. He is speaking English very well and has made a couple good friends. His friend, Isaac, spent the night–they played and watched movies. This is a new concept for Tison–to have a friend spend the night. What a life–watching movies, eating popcorn and drinking soda. He is having fun and building friendships. Tison is a good friend and is kind to the other children he knows.He has several...

We are cautiously optimistic about the results of the last surgery. Tison’s doctor took a look at the graft on his shin which was done a week ago. Dr. W. was very happy with the results of the surgery. The graft was holding–this is so important because of the potential infections if the graft doesn’t take.Tison will have to have another couple weeks of limited activities. It will be very hard on him because he is so active. We...