Beautiful Scars
A Life Redefined
About the Book
A moment can change everything…
Kilee Brookbank was a typical sixteen-year-old, but her last ordinary day erupted in an explosion that consumed her house, burning forty-five percent of her body and sending her to the brink of death.
After thirty-eight days of surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy, and excruciating pain, Kilee had to discover how to live again.
With unwavering support from her mom, Lori, and the rest of her family, Kilee faced her journey with determination, strength, and a positive attitude that inspired not only her community, but people around the world.
Now a thriving college student, Kilee has become an author, advocate, and philanthropist focused on helping other young burn survivors and their families. She has met with individual survivors and their parents and spoken to school groups, burn camps and civic organizations across the country.
Her charity, the Kilee Gives Back Foundation, has raised more than $100,000 for Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati, and Kilee has partnered with Shriners Hospitals to promote its national Be Burn Aware campaign.
Told together by Kilee and Lori, Beautiful Scars is a story of recovery, healing, and hope, reminding us all that we’re never powerless, never alone, and that each challenge we face helps make us the people we are meant to be.
… It’s what you do with each moment that defines you.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of Beautiful Scars: A Life Redefined will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati.
Listen to the Author
Kilee Brookbank discusses why she shares her story in Beautiful Scars.
Endorsements & Reviews
“Kilee’s spirit shines through her every word. ‘Beautiful Scars’ is a down-to-earth primer on how to let our hearts define us, not our scars.”
“This personal story is a great read for young people recovering from trauma, who will be able to relate to Kilee’s pain and will be inspired and encouraged by her determination and optimism. It’s also a beautiful reading experience for mothers and daughters learning to love and support each other as their relationships flourish into adulthood. ‘Beautiful Scars’ is a story of hope and inspiration, especially for young women and their mothers.”
“It took me many years – decades even – to embrace my fire, my scars, my story, my gifts – the way that Kilee has naturally done in just a few short years. ‘Beautiful Scars’ is a reminder that we don’t always get to choose the path we walk in life, but we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. Kilee, a heartfelt thank you for the reminder.”
“Kilee’s ‘Beautiful Scars’ shares her story of hope. In one single moment, a tragic accident almost took her life and put her through months of physical and emotional challenges. Despite these obstacles, Kilee’s beautiful and joyful spirit demonstrate to all that there is life and hope after serious tragedy. This book is an encouraging story for burn survivors and anyone surviving trauma.”
“This book will touch the hearts of mothers and daughters across different life experiences, and it will provide hope and encouragement to people who have lived through traumatic injury and recovery or helped children through such a harrowing process. Both Kilee and her mother offer their honest insights, not denying the pain and despair they felt, even as they cling unwaveringly to hope.” Read more
“This is such an emotional, inspiring story, it is hard for me to put into words how I feel about this book. … In terms of writing, I think everything flowed well, I liked the alternative perspectives, and I really loved the parts where Cameron added his thoughts.” Read more
“I really liked that the story was told from the perspective of Kilee and her mom, Lori. Lori’s perspective made me think about the emotions and difficulties moms go through when something happens to their children. … I found the book interesting and a worthwhile read as a whole. I learned much more about the aftermath of a burn than my sister or I do in medical school. This book is worth a second look!” Read more
“You are getting both angles of the recovery process from a mother’s perspective and the teen’s/patient’s perspective. It makes for an interesting twist, especially if you’re a mother. … This book is such a feel-good read. Kilee doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her and what she’s been through. … She’s going to move mountains this young woman.” Read More
In the News
How Burn Survivor is Now Helping Other Victims (The Doctors)
Horrific Fire Burned Half Her Body, But She Found a Way to Move on With Gratitude (WomansWorld.com)
Kilee Brookbank Continues to Give Back (WCPO.com)
Interview with author Kilee Brookbank (MyND Talk)
Burn Survivor to Present Check to Shriners at Reds Game (WKRC-TV)
Explosion Survivor Turning Tragedy to Triumph (Hillsboro Times-Gazette)
Celeb Golf Tournament Raises Money for Shriners Hospital (WLWT-TV)
How I Opened Up to My New Boyfriend about My Scars (The Mighty)
Kilee and Lori Reflect on Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati [VIDEO]
The Strength in My Scars (Girls’ Life)
‘If You Stay Positive, You Can Make It Through Anything’ (Woman’s World)
‘I Feel Good about Myself’ (Inside Edition)
‘I Am More Than My Scars’ (MTV Founders)
About the Authors
Kilee Brookbank is a college student, soccer player, shoe fanatic, animal lover – and burn survivor. Severely injured when a gas leak caused her house to explode in November 2014, Kilee was hospitalized for thirty-eight days before returning home to a life of new challenges and a new “normal.” Kilee, who attends Xavier University, is preparing for her future with strength and determination that inspire everyone she meets. She and her family created the Kilee Gives Back Foundation in 2015 to support other families through times of crisis, and Kilee is devoted to paying forward the generosity and kindness she received from her community and from around the world.
Lori Highlander is, first and foremost, proud mom to daughter Kilee and son Cameron. Lori has spent 20 years as an executive in the alcohol and drug addiction field and has witnessed first-hand the impact of information and inspiration on the healing process. In 2014, Lori’s daughter, Kilee Brookbank, was severely burned in a house explosion. Kilee’s resilience and Cameron’s strength compelled Lori to launch KiCam Projects, creating an avenue to bring light to powerful stories of survival with the goal of supporting charitable endeavors and organizations. Additionally, Lori and her family formed the Kilee Gives Back Foundation, a nonprofit inspired by the family’s personal experience. Lori lives in Georgetown, Ohio, with Kilee and Cameron; her husband, Wade; and her stepsons, Collin and Houstin.
Ordering Information for Bookstores and Libraries
Beautiful Scars
$19.95 ISBN 978-0-9985216-3-3 (paperback)
SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational
Please call 937-483-4204 for special pricing and shipping information for bulk orders.
Beautiful Scars: A Life Redefined is distributed by Independent Publishers Group.
