West Hills — Derek lights up during a walk around the burn center with friends Sarah Bogart, left, Gen Cruzan, his sister Kayleen Thomas, and Molly Dohoney. Every week, his visitors are the ones who make him laugh and feel the most normal again.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Derek Thomas is weighed by nurse Jennifer Karle in his room at the Grossman Burn Center. Months ago the simple action of getting onto a scale wasn't possible for Thomas, who has had to learn again how to stand, walk, breathe, swallow and speak.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills CA, USA — Thomas has his bad days, but most of the time, he makes everyone around him laugh. After he leaves the hospital, he will need need months of physical therapy and more surgery.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Derek Thomas, center, and his mother Paula Thomas are surrounded by photos of hospital staff, family and friends that he keeps on a bulletin board in his hospital room.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Derek works out his good arm with therapist Josephine Custodio in his hospital room. He had to practice for months before he regained the ability to touch his nose with one finger or scratch his head.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Derek Thomas throws a ball to another burn unit patient as his father, Randy Thomas, looks on.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Therapist Josephine Custodio helps Derek Thomas bend his finger.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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West Hills — Eleven months since his injury, Derek Thomas still has his legs wrapped in bandages. He has had 42 operations since the accident that burned 85% of his body.
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times
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