At just fourteen months old, Keith Edmonds suffered a brutal attack, leaving him with severe burns on half his face after being held against an electric heater. Doctors gave him little chance of survival, but he endured years of surgeries at the Shriners Burn Institute.

His childhood was marked by foster care and the knowledge that his attacker received only a ten-year prison sentence. He faced constant staring and cruelty, leading him to alcohol by thirteen to cope with the pain and isolation.

This struggle with addiction and depression continued into his adulthood. However, on his 35th birthday in 2012, a moment of clarity during a drinking binge led him to choose sobriety and a new path.

He rebuilt his life, finding success in corporate sales at companies like Dell and Coca-Cola. His visible scars seemed to build immediate trust with clients, silently communicating his resilience and understanding of hardship.

In 2016, he channeled this empathy into action by founding the Keith Edmonds Foundation. Its programs, like “Backpacks of Love” and “Camp Confidence,” provide sustained support and mentorship for abused and neglected children.

His impact is profound. Educators note that students believe him because his scars are a testament to his past. His presence has literally changed lives, restoring hope to vulnerable youth.

Keith believes his sobriety is a tribute to every hurt child. He has chosen forgiveness, not to excuse the wrong, but to free himself. He shares his story in his book, *Scars*, to prove that a painful beginning does not have to define one’s entire life.