Indianapolis, Indiana – For a burn victim in a treatment area of the Burn ICU at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, it was a significant moment. Chris Doyen, a survivor, popped the question to his longtime girlfriend there on Friday.
Erika Tollett embraced Chris just as she was about to ask him a question before responding, “Yes, of course.” She has spent all 47 days by Chris’ side as he has recovered from a serious burn caused by a campfire.
In Newcastle, England, a gas can exploded as the two were nearby a bonfire in April. Sixty-six percent of Chris’ body, including his arms, torso, and legs, were burned in the second and third degree. His rehabilitation was expected to take roughly four months, but Chris claims he attributes his speedy recovery to the burn unit and his own drive.
“The staff. Yeah, they pushed me pretty hard. And I don’t want to be here, so I want to be back home,” said Chris Doyen, from New Castle.
“For him to go from his injury to leaving the hospital in under 50 days is quite remarkable. He’s done a great job of following the program and getting healed up and our team has done a remarkable job getting him back and healthy and actually discharging him from the hospital today,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, Director of the Ascension St. Vincent Burn Unit.
The suggestion required some originality. Chris is still recovering, making it challenging for him to kneel. He kneeled on a special padded stool that the Burn ICU staff had made and decorated for him to make his proposal. The proposal took place in the hydrotherapy room, a location where medical professionals can treat patients, clean wounds, and speed up healing by using running water.
As part of their Level 1 Trauma Center, the Ascension St. Vincent Burn Unit serves both children and adult patients. During procedures, patients remain on-site and get care from staff.
Chris Doyel finished his rehabilitation at home with his new fiancée after being released from the hospital on Friday.
