At just 14 months old in 1978, Keith Edmonds suffered horrific third-degree burns after his mother’s boyfriend pressed his face against an electric heater. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive, but he did — enduring years of surgeries and treatment. His attacker received a 10-year prison sentence.
Growing up scarred and bullied, Keith struggled with depression and alcohol addiction for over 20 years. On his 35th birthday in 2012, he made a life-changing decision to get sober and rebuild his life.
He went on to succeed in corporate sales with companies like Dell and Coca-Cola, then founded the Keith Edmonds Foundation in 2016 to support abused and neglected children. Through mentorship programs and initiatives like Backpacks of Love and Camp Confidence, he now helps young survivors heal and find hope.
Keith says forgiveness changed his life. Though he knows where his attacker lives today, he no longer seeks revenge. Instead, he focuses on turning his pain into purpose.
From a severely burned toddler to a motivational speaker and nonprofit founder, Keith’s story is proof that scars — inside and out — can become strength.
