Three years after her initial burn injury, Hitaxi Mistry returned to the Arizona Burn Center, this time to offer peer support to another burn survivor.

For Hitaxi, this was a chance to give back to a community that has embraced her. Having suffered third-degree burns on 72 percent of her body, she endured seven months in a medically induced coma, months in a wheelchair, numerous surgeries, and years of physical therapy. Despite being told she would never walk again, Hitaxi defied the odds. She immersed herself in her studies and participated in groundbreaking research to improve her mobility using external fixators and automated robotic technology to realign her feet. Not only did Hitaxi walk across the stage at graduation, but she now regularly hikes A Mountain at ASU!

A pivotal moment in Hitaxi’s journey was attending World Burn Congress, a four-day international conference for hundreds of burn survivors, their families, caregivers, burn-care professionals, and firefighters.

“When I stood up and told my story to other burn survivors, I felt powerful,” said Hitaxi. “Everyone was nodding along – they were able to relate to me. Although we were not having the same exact journey, they were able to relate to what I felt and what I went through, and it felt like we were instantly connected. That stuck with me.”

It was then that Hitaxi knew she wanted to provide peer support to other burn survivors.

“When you are in a hospital bed, you try to imagine what your life will be, and there are two ways you can go in your journey – you can be positive, or you can feel as if life is over,” said Hitaxi.

Through peer support, burn survivors can answer questions that others cannot. Hitaxi sees it as a way to give hope and strength to others, showing them that they can overcome their challenges. Despite her injury, Hitaxi is doing everything she wanted to and is stronger than she ever realized.

While the journey is undoubtedly challenging, Hitaxi believes it’s crucial for other burn survivors to know that, despite the difficulties, there is hope for the future they dreamed of.

“The journey is difficult, it is going to be difficult, but surely you can get better,” said Hitaxi. “I do have breakdowns sometimes and think about why everything happened, but those breakdowns are less and less. Even sometimes, I am grateful for what happened and that I can empathize with my [burn] community now.”

It is no wonder that the name Hitaxi, which is of Indian origin, means ‘well-wisher’ or ‘one who does good to others.’

Hitaxi’s contagious, upbeat attitude is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of peer support. By sharing her ongoing journey and offering support to others, she heals herself while also guiding the way for fellow survivors and reminds us that in times of adversity, we can find hope, connection, and the courage to move forward.