New Jersey

Family Holds Event to Help Daughter Burned in Fire

A family is throwing an event to help their daughter after a fire left half of her body and leg badly burned.

When a deep fryer of oil exploded in the kitchen of her apartment in Millville, New Jersey back on April 10, Leslie Rempfer's daughter, Alanna, was no where near the kitchen. As the fire began to spread, Alanna ran out of the apartment to the bottom of the steps as her mother grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher to try and contain the fire.

Alanna's father grabbed the fryer in hopes to throw it outside, but tripped out of the door as the grease spilled outside. Rempfer believed this had saved the family from any more harm, however to their dismay, Alanna had not made it all the way down the steps and was standing on the landing as her father threw the hot oil outside.

Alanna was severely burned on the right side of her body and left leg and was taken by helicopter to St. Christopher's Children's Hospital in Philadelphia where she received treatment from the Special Care Burn Unit.

"The doctors said it was about 9% of her leg and all together, she was burned on 31% of her body, including her left leg, right arm and left arm," Rempfer said.

Alanna was in the unit for 20 days, and had three surgeries as well as skin grafting. Her mother says she is doing very well though there are limits regarding what she can do this summer.

"For treatment, Alanna has to do physical therapy every other week in Philadelphia, and she must wear a compression stocking that is fit, measured and made for her leg, 24 hours a day for the next 18 months to 2 years," said Rempfer. "She is very grateful that her hair is growing back."

Rempfer says her daughter has been "unforgettably strong and brave through this tragic accident." Rempfer explains her family is going though some trying times, especially after losing their home to the fire. Now, they are hoping to get Alanna some help to make sure she gets the special garments and boots she needs to fully recover. 

Family members of the Rempfers have organized a benefit- 'Helping Heal Alanna Hannah'- a beef and beer at the American Legion Shoemaker Post Number 95 in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The event is set to take place on July 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased and donations can be made through Adam Walker at 856-207-7135. Donations can also be made on gofundme. 

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