Kansas City, Mo. — Former burn patients with powerful stories of recovery reunited with their care teams on Thursday, April 30, at Research Medical Center’s Burn Survivor Reunion. A record number of patients, physicians, caregivers, and families gathered for the event, creating a moving celebration of hope, healing, and resilience.
Among them was Kansas City resident Courtney Kubasko, now 16 months sober after undergoing multiple surgeries for severe, long-standing wounds. She credits the care she received at Research Medical Center Burn Center with helping her begin that recovery.
“Without Research, I would certainly not be sober, not have arms and probably would be dead,” Kubasko said. “When I came to the burn unit at Research, I knew my life mattered.”
Her experience highlights the complexity of burn care and the care patients receive throughout recovery.
“The reunion reflected the level of care our teams provide during some of the most complex and challenging moments a patient can face,” said Research Medical Center CEO Kirk McCarty. “Seeing patients return, healed and moving forward reinforces the impact of that care and the role our Burn Center plays in their recovery.”
“Burn care is highly individualized and often requires multiple surgeries, wound management and rehabilitation over time,” said Research Medical Center Burn Center Medical Director Megan Garcia, MD. “Our focus is restoring function, reducing complications and helping patients like Courtney, Gary and Jonathan regain independence. Seeing them return after that process is a meaningful part of the work.”
Gary Brown
Brown, 71, of Lee’s Summit, is focused on returning to the activities that defined his life before a traumatic accident last fall.
An avid cyclist and pickleball player, Brown was struck by a garbage truck while riding his bike in October 2025. His injuries required a below-the-knee amputation of his right leg, along with more than 15 surgical procedures during a hospital stay that included time in the Burn Center, intensive care and inpatient rehabilitation.
Now home, Brown is working toward receiving a prosthetic and rebuilding his independence, with the goal of getting back to the activities he enjoys, even if that looks different.
Courtney Kubasko
Kubasko, 31, of Kansas City, Mo., shared a personal story of recovery that began in the Burn Center after more than a year of living with severe, infected wounds to both forearms tied to addiction. She was admitted twice in 2024 and underwent eight surgical procedures.
Today, she is 16 months sober and credits the Burn Center team with helping her take the first steps toward recovery. “Without Research, I would certainly not be sober, not have arms and probably would be dead,” Kubasko said. “When I came to the burn unit at Research, I knew my life mattered.”
Kubasko described feeling turned away and without options before arriving at Research Medical Center. She said the treatment she received changed her condition and her outlook. “There was never any judgment, just extreme kindness and the best of care,” she said. “I wear these skin graft scars proudly because they reflect my journey and the help I received. I don’t think of them as something bad, but as a reminder that my life changed in the best way possible.”
Jonathan Sperline
Sperline, 35, of St. Joseph, shared his experience following a boating accident in June 2025 that resulted in burns to his legs.
After the explosion, Sperline was able to jump into the water and swim to shore despite his serious, painful injuries. He was treated at Research Medical Center Burn Center for second-degree burns affecting 13% of his body, underwent two surgical procedures and was discharged in July.
HCA Healthcare is home to the nation’s largest burn and reconstructive surgery network, with 15 burn centers across the country. Burn injuries require highly specialized treatment and are equipped to manage the most complex cases. Multidisciplinary teams include burn surgeons, critical care specialists, nurses, therapists, and support staff.