When bad things happen good things can grow: Survivors’ stories of hope from the aftermath of unimaginable trauma, abuse and burns.

An autobiography of a teachers’ devotion to the ‘at-risk’ child. It is through the unimaginable tragedies of others Susie found her purpose. This book shares a collection of uplifting stories of transformation. From the ashes of the past, they have risen and followed a path of self-discovery and healing, to a place of belonging, and sometimes the best things that will ever happen to them. Working with hundreds of survivors of unbelievable trauma, abuse and burns, Susie has learnt that from bad things good things can grow. The courage and strength of these incredible people are shared in their powerful stories throughout this book.

In 1993 Susie founded the KIDS Foundation after learning 5,000 children are injured in Australia every day. Its purpose to help young people recover from injuries and trauma caused by the most horrific circumstances, as well as preventing them from happening through education and empowerment.

One day Susie met a young boy being rehabilitated in an aged-care facility surrounded by elderly men and was compelled to do something. Several years later a child friendly purpose built facility was created. The first young boy to stay there was a burn survivor. When it was time for him to return home there were limited support networks, so we created one - Burn Survivors Network supporting families Australia wide.

2001 becoming an Ironman changed and saved Susie’s life in the most unimaginable way. Most importantly it became the catalyst for bringing millions of dollars to the KIDS Foundation. When bad things happen good thing can grow, captures heart-felt stories of triumph over adversity.