Motivational & Inspirational

In the summer of 1998, I made a choice that has not only had a major impact on my life, but has helped to mould me into the person I am today. After meeting with several representatives with the Atlantic Burn Camp for Burn-Injured Children, I decided to embrace the opportunity to assist with the first ever burn camp in Cape Breton exclusively for burn-injured children.

Having been extensively burned as a result of an unattended candle at the age of 15, I knew I could relate to the children and make a valuable contribution to the camp. The Atlantic Burn Camp really opened my eyes in seeing that I was not the only one out there who had been dealing with the physical and emotional scars of a serious burn injury. Growing up in the small community of Irishtown (near Corner Brook), Newfoundland, it was very difficult to adjust to my injuries because there were no resources available to burn survivors at the time.

Over the past 10 years I have had the chance to work with many of the kids as a camp counsellor. I believe that through my own example it has helped many of the children see that you can gain self-confidence and go on to live a full and productive life as an adult, even if you have been burned. This has not only been a major benefit to the children, but has given a great deal of purpose and direction to my own life. Being in my first year of university when I started going to camp, I believe that my experience with these remarkable children combined with renewed zest for life really helped me to discover what I love doing the most, helping others.

Today, I am proud to say that I have been blessed to be a father and hopefully a great role model for my 13 year old son. In recent years, I graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a degree in Psychology and now operate my own business as a motivational speaker. I have been very fortunate to be able to reach out to many people around the world and to serve as a Representative for the Atlantic Burn Camp providing assistance to children from all over Newfoundland & Labrador. People ask me “Michael, if you could change what happened to you, would you? My response is “It is not what happens to you that matters, it is who you choose to become as a result of what has happened”. I am very grateful to be involved with the Atlantic Burn Camp and its supporters. Thank you for helping burn victims become true survivors.

Michael Gaultois, B.A.

Burn Survivor/ Motivational Speaker