'It Just Takes A Spark'

'It Just Takes A Spark'

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Story Published: Jul 5, 2003 at 6:31 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:06 AM PDT

By John Sharify

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SEATTLE - When KOMO 4 News met Luke Demick several weeks ago, he asked us a favor, "please don't show my burned face," he said.

He was in severe pain, burned when he used gasoline to burn a caterpillar nest. The fire ignited vapors from the cup he was holding. It was a cup of gasoline.

When people look at his face now they can't tell he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

He looks normal.

Until you see the scars on the rest of his body.

His physical therapist at Harborview Medical Center is softening Luke's scars by stretching his skin.

It's been a painful recovery for Luke. "It hurts in my armpit, just not in my arm. Taking showers and stuff hurts, because it just stings."

The family invited KOMO 4 News to be there while Luke went through therapy.

Luke's mom feels her son's pain. What mom wouldn't. "It's very hard to watch your child in pain," says Stacy Demick.

This family's mantra now? You can never be too careful.

Stacy says, "That's true. Again for the 4th of July, too. I worry every year about kids, but this year especially because of what's happened to Luke and I just want people to be careful. It just takes a spark."

Luke's family can no longer stand the sight and smell of gas. And what about a barbecue on this holiday...forget it!

"I can hardly fill my car with gas. Neither one of us likes to be around gasoline or open fires now. Roasting hot dogs for the 4th? We can't do that yet. Hopefully down the road."

They know there will be better days. In fact every day Luke is making progress in his physical therapy sessions.

They say time heals. It's what Luke and his family need now... time.

There's been a Fund set up for Luke Demick and his family. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch.

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