Catherine Reynolds | Feb 15, 2017


Johnathan Ferreira is lucky to be alive.

Standing in his room in the burn unit at Sick Kids Hospital four days after he was engulfed in flames, the 15-year-old from Sydenham talks with a mature somberness about the accident on Feb. 8 that nearly took his life.
Gone is the fun-loving teenager with the big smile who friends call Johnny. In his place is a young man recovering from a brief mishandling of a heat source and can of gasoline on a cold Canadian night.

Covered in second degree burns on his face and third degree burns on his neck, his skin appears raw and painful. He wears gloves to apply Vaseline to the sores that doctors say will heal with time. Small spots of blood dot the sheets where he sleeps.

“I’m okay,” he replies softly when asked about his health. “It’s a little iffy sometimes, but overall, I’m not too bad.”

At his side since he was flown to Sick Kids from Kingston General Hospital, Johnny’s parents nod from a corner of the room to confirm the validity of his statement.

Looking tired from their constant vigil, John admits, “It was awful. “He looks like much better now, compared to those first 48 hours.”

“The nightmares are hard (though),” adds Tina, Johnny’s mother. “He wakes up and he thinks he’s on fire.”

Her words trail after her and leave a silent echo in the room that reinforce the extent of the damage above and below her son’s skin.

Out of immediate danger, Johnny’s treatment scheduled for the next day is the removal of dead skin on his face and neck. As luck would have it, good clothing and work boots protected the rest of his body when flames consumed him.

Grateful the burns aren’t worse, his parents say he could be discharged later in the week if he continues to heal without complications.

“We’re taking it day-by-day,” confirms Sherri Douven, Johnny’s Aunt.

Standing with the loving family that fills, and sometimes overflows, the hospital room in Toronto, Douven smiles as she talks about the support Johnny and his family have received from friends in neighbours back in South Frontenac Township.

“The support of his friends has been amazing. They’re definitely a family of kids,” she says thoughtfully, referring to a group of Sydenham High School students who were with Johnny the night of the accident; one of whom drove him to the hospital. The group has been supporting him ever since.

“I know any one of them would do anything for him,” says Johnny’s mother gratefully.

Reflecting on the outpouring of support they have received, Tina admits, “The community and everyone has been very helpful.”

Johnathan Ferreira is a Grade 10 student at Sydenham High School. He is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries sustained the evening of Feb. 8. To make a donation to help the family with unforeseen expenses, please visit Go Fund Me and go to Funds for Johnathan.

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