You could say it was an Eagle Scout Project 13 years in the making. “When I was two, I suffered a burn injury. I was in the burn unit for three weeks and had two skin graft surgeries,” said Jackson Lampe, Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 13 in Dubuque, Iowa, and a burn survivor. “When it came time to develop ideas for my Eagle Project, I knew I wanted to do something to give back to the burn community. I started doing research and found a couple of studies that show over 80 percent of parents of burn victims experience some level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That was my ‘lightbulb’ moment.”
Jackson reached out to the University of Iowa Burn Treatment Center with the idea of creating Comfort Kits for the parents and caregivers of pediatric burn patients. They welcomed the idea and worked with Jackson to create a supply that should last for a year.
“As a Scout, our motto is ‘Be Prepared,’ but as a parent you can’t always be prepared when an accident happens. You drop everything and go to the hospital,” said Jackson. “It’s a really traumatic time. I know from experience kids receive outstanding care. Hopefully the kits will help parents and caregivers know that someone is looking out for them, too.”
Each kit contains a fleece blanket, a notebook and pen, personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc.) and ten envelopes containing positive and motivational quotes.
Jolyn Schneider, Nurse Manager for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Intensive and Specialty Services said, “The comfort kits provided by Jackson for his Eagle Project will provide our patients with some extra support and TLC that they so appreciate during their stay with us. Gifts from the heart mean so much to people who are going through tough times.”
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on August 11, 2024 to formally award Jackson his new rank. Along with his new rank, Jackson was presented with several letters and commendations from a variety of elected officials and organizations. In addition, he received a video tribute from fellow burn survivor and NFL quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
“We’re both burn survivors and have gone through that whole process of painful healing, and the fact that you would use your platform to help other people who are suffering,” said Cousins, “is a tremendous idea and you did a tremendous job executing on that idea.”
Jackson was able to fund the development of the Comfort Kits through donations and fundraising. He and his troop bussed tables at Pizza Ranch to raise money for the project. He also received donations from Hoelscher Orthodontics and friends and family purchased items from an online wish list to fill the kits. Once everything was purchased, Jackson held an assembly night with volunteers at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, where his troop meets.
When asked what he learned through the process, Jackson said “I’ve learned a lot about organization, budgeting and outreach. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. You can’t always go it alone. Teamwork is key to an Eagle Project. And I think, in life, too.”
— Jackson, Troop 13, Dubuque, Iowa
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