Man who survived 85 per cent burns works in Georgia school
Joey Brown is rebuilding his life at a high school cafeteria after a 1988 gas explosion caused severe injuries.
Joey Brown, who suffered burns across 85 per cent of his body following a 1988 gas explosion, is now working at Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia. The 21-year-old survivor is helping manage a school cafeteria and recently joined a summer meal programme as an aide.
The accident occurred in Winter Garden, Florida, when a cigarette ignited fumes from a gas leak. Brown was airlifted to a hospital in Orlando and underwent between 30 and 50 surgeries over the years. He lost his left arm at the elbow and has four fingers on his right hand.
The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) assisted Brown in securing his current employment. His job coach, Kehli Pope, helped resolve an issue regarding background checks after Brown could no longer provide fingerprints due to his injuries.
At the school, Brown's duties include operating a commercial dishwasher, managing rubbish, and cleaning workstations. Coworker Beana Nolley told CBS Atlanta that Brown brings warmth to the kitchen and lights up the area.
Brown credited his church, Midway Church in Villa Rica, for providing a sense of community. He said that having a job has given him hope and a reason to look forward to the future.
Looking ahead, Brown aims to purchase a home and adopt a beagle named Snoopy.
