Out of the Fire: A Burn Patient’s Triumphant Struggle to Heal and Get Home

Burn Survivor Bryce Mason with His Wife and Two Children

When Seconds Change Lives

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in spring 2023. Bryce Mason was doing what he'd done countless times before—taking care of some routine yard burning at his Perkins, Oklahoma home while his family prepared to host friends for a barbecue. The house was ready, the backyard welcoming, and laughter filled the air as they anticipated a perfect day together.

Then, in a split second, everything changed.

The gas can exploded in Bryce's arms, causing catastrophic burns to 50% of his body. The joyful celebration instantly became a desperate fight for survival.

Racing Against Time

After multiple ambulance rides and a helicopter transport, Bryce arrived at the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center at Baptist Medical Center—Oklahoma's premier burn treatment facility and one of the nation's leading burn centers.

"I remember asking questions, but the doctors were only worried about keeping him alive," recalled Bryce's wife, Jackie. "They handed me his wedding ring and rushed him off to surgery. I broke down."

The expert burn care team immediately got to work, focusing on one critical goal: saving Bryce's life.

The Long Road to Recovery

After two and a half weeks in the intensive care unit, Bryce was finally stable enough to move to the general burn unit. But his journey was far from over. Ahead lay nine surgeries, excruciating dressing changes, and daily physical therapy sessions that would push him to his limits.

"I knew it would hurt, but I had to push through if I wanted to recover," Bryce said, demonstrating the determination that would carry him through the darkest days.

Each day brought small victories—a few more steps walked, eating on his own, slowly regaining strength. But the physical battle was only part of the challenge.

Healing the Whole Family

The emotional toll extended beyond Bryce himself. His young daughter was terrified by what had happened to her father and wouldn't even enter his hospital room.

"One of the hardest parts was seeing how scared my daughter was," Bryce shared.

That's when INTEGRIS Health’s child life team made all the difference. Using toys, art supplies, and even medical puppets, these specialists gently helped Bryce's daughter understand what was happening to her dad. They transformed her fear into courage, giving her the strength to stay by his side during his recovery.

A Brotherhood's Support

Throughout his 32-day hospital stay, Bryce received unwavering support from the Four Kings LE/MC Deep Fork motorcycle club—a brotherhood he's proud to call family. From hospital visits to emotional encouragement, they stood by him every step of the way.

When Bryce finally achieved his goal of walking out of the hospital on his own, his motorcycle club brothers were there to celebrate. They formed a motorcade, escorting him home—not just to his house, but back to the life he'd fought so hard to reclaim.

Tony, known as "Diesel," led the escort and was so moved by the exceptional care Bryce received that the Four Kings dedicated funds from their 2024 and 2025 Poker Run fundraisers to the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center.

Thriving Today

Two years after that fateful Saturday afternoon, Bryce is thriving in Perkins, Oklahoma. He's back with Jackie and their two children, living each day with profound gratitude for the second chance he's been given.

"Thank you... Nothing I say will ever fully express how I feel about INTEGRIS Health and the caregivers who saved me," Bryce said. "I wouldn't be here without y'all."

50 Years Strong and Looking to the Future

2025 marks 50 years of compassion and care at the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center at Baptist Medical Center. As one of the nation’s top burn centers, it has transformed countless lives — thanks to the vision of Paul Silverstein, M.D., whose groundbreaking work shaped burn care in Oklahoma and beyond.

When you support the INTEGRIS Health Foundation, you help create life-changing outcomes for burn patients and their families. Your generosity ensures that every patient receives the expert, compassionate care they need during their darkest hours.

Help us continue providing lifesaving burn care to patients like Bryce.

Story by Zoee Zuerker