CINCINNATI – Vernice Bailey was reunited with her heroes.
Five decades later, the burn survivor got a chance to thank the people who helped save her life.
"I wouldn't be here today. I was burned very severely,” a grateful Bailey said Saturday inside the Shriners Burns Center. “In addition to that, my family wouldn't be able to afford the type of medical care I needed."
Bailey and other survivors and their families returned to mark the Burn Center’s 50th anniversary and remember their own personal triumphs.
"I was a patient when they first opened the hospital 50 years ago,” Bailey said.
Bailey showed a picture on her phone. It was from 1966. She was 6 years old and hardly recognizable.
“I'm amazed at the work they've done. I've had numerous surgeries over the years," she said.
Bailey said she still remembers the friends she made.
"You get a chance to meet so many friends you've met that had a very similar situation as yours," she said.
It pleased Bailey to see all the kids around Saturday just being kids, chowing down on Hawaiian Ice, painting their faces and hanging out with a few superheroes.
“I’m just so happy to see it still going on today, helping people,” Bailey said.
Outside, the people operating the ninth annual Car and Bike show for Shriners were hoping to raise $1,500 for the hospital.
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