On Halloween in 1987, Anthony Razzano at the young age of 12 years old found himself influenced by peers huffing gas on a quad motorbike. In his recollection of a ‘split-second decision,’ Anthony decided to join his peers and later returned home with a friend to continue the activity. Not realizing the dangers around gasoline, Anthony’s friend lit a match causing burns to over 87% of Anthony’s body. Anthony was given a 0% chance at living and had his last rights read to him three times over the course of his recovery. 

In this episode, we talk with Anthony about his journey to recovery as a child burn survivor, the role mental health plays in burn injury recovery, and discuss how he’s overcome obstacles to become who he is today. Anthony shares his advice for other burn survivors, and talks about what to expect when reading his memoir, “Against All Odds”. 

About Anthony Razzano

Anthony Razzano is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed sports agent, and an NFL-certified contract advisor. He has made a career out of negotiating successful contracts for his clients and providing expert tax and business advice since 2006. Born and raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Anthony harbored childhood dreams of becoming a professional football player.

However, at a young age, Anthony was tragically injured in a fire that resulted in burns covering 87% of his body, and he lost his left hand. Anthony was not expected to survive but defied all odds. After an intense recovery, he became the starting outside linebacker for the New Castle Red Hurricanes high school football team, demonstrating an unbreakable spirit and determination that has been a hallmark of his life.

Today, he is the author of the upcoming memoir, "Against All Odds," which tells his inspiring journey from the fire back to the football field, and his subsequent success in the fields of finance and sports management. Anthony is an embodiment of the power of resilience, fortitude, and tenacity.

Resources from the Show 

• Visit Anthony’s Website.
• Purchase Anthony’s Book on Amazon.
• Read More About Helping Child Burn Survivors Reclaim Life.
• Download the Guide for Parents and Caregivers of Burn Survivors.
• Watch ‘Building a Mindset that Serves You.’
• Download the Guide ‘Beyond Surviving’.
• Visit the Burn Community Bookshelf.
• Join the Online Burn Survivor Communities for Peer Support.
• Share Your Burn Survivor Story Online.
• Become a Phoenix Society SOAR Peer Supporter.
• Get Your Own Copy of Phoenix Society’s Journey Magazine.
• Learn More About Ways to Give Back to Phoenix Society
• For More Resources, Visit Us Here.

About NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org.

Sponsor Girls with Grafts 

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

Enjoyed the show? Tell us on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!