Meet MSKTC Ambassador Cindy Rutter
- Cindy Rutter
Cindy Rutter’s life has been nothing short of dynamic—from the hospital ward to the horse arena and beyond. For years, she was an avid equestrian, leaping fences and flying over obstacles with the kind of determination that’s defined her whole life. Though she doesn’t jump much anymore, she still loves to ride, and the rhythm of hooves on dirt is a familiar joy.
Her greatest pride, though, doesn’t come from the saddle, it comes from her family. With two daughters and grandchildren who light up her world, Cindy says her biggest accomplishments call her “Mom” and “Nonna.”
As if her story weren’t musical enough, Cindy’s roots carry a rock-and-roll beat. She enjoys showcasing to others that her father was a drummer for none other than Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond.
Whether riding trails, cherishing family, or dancing to a legendary beat, Cindy lives life with a full heart and unshakable spirit.
Cindy’s Burn Injury Journey
At just six years old in 1959, Cindy Rutter sustained third-degree burns over 85% of her body. She spent ten months in the hospital, her survival is nothing short of a miracle. With no burn camps, no support groups, and no roadmap for healing, her recovery relied on her parents’ strength and a dedicated plastic surgeon performing his first burn case. Cindy says she was fighting the war, and he fought every battle beside her.
Cindy reflects on how her parents were her foundation: loving, unwavering, and unrelenting in their belief that she could overcome anything. They refused to let her use her injury as an excuse or crutch, pushing her beyond the limits she thought she had. That mindset shaped her.
Cindy later became a burn nurse to reclaim her story and empower others. In 1981, she began working in burn survivor aftercare, recognizing that a burn injury isn’t the end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey. She became a psychotherapist, striving to create resources for emotional healing, intimacy, and family support.
As a longtime advocate and leader in the burn injury community, Cindy has spent over 45 years amplifying voices, building resources, and empowering survivors. She played a pivotal role in the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors’ SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program and helped launch its advocacy platform, designed to strengthen community connection and support.
Now, she advocates for the national expansion of burn-focused mental health care, fueled by the same determination that carried her through childhood. For Cindy, there’s no such thing as “no” when it comes to burn recovery, only what’s next. Her life is a testament to what’s possible.
What does Cindy think of the quality, usefulness, and user-friendliness of the MSKTC resources?
Cindy sees the MSKTC website as a vital hub for burn survivors and their families. She finds it remarkably accessible. Its user-friendly layout and availability in multiple languages make it a standout resource internationally. To her, it’s not just a site, it’s a source of direction and strength for those who are searching for hope.
She’s witnessed many burn survivors who, in the aftermath of injury, feel like their lives have come to a standstill. But with resources like MSKTC, they begin to see that survival isn’t the finish line, it’s the first step. The site offers tools, guidance, and encouragement to rebuild quality of life, not just preserve it.
Cindy appreciates that MSKTC doesn’t stop at the physical aspects of recovery. It reaches out to family members, caregivers, and anyone in a survivor’s circle. She values its comprehensive nature and the way it responds to real human needs, not just clinical checklists.
In her view, MSKTC helps transform what could have been a tragic ending into a new beginning. It’s a resource that meets people wherever they are in their recovery journey and offers something invaluable: the possibility of moving forward.
Why does Cindy want to be an MSKTC ambassador?
Cindy is passionate about becoming an MSKTC ambassador because she deeply believes in the mission and heart behind the work of MSKTC. To her, MSKTC is not just a website or a project—it’s a powerful, compassionate resource for burn survivors, families, healthcare providers, and first responders alike. Its wide range of multilingual tools, factsheets, and videos reflect not only expert knowledge but true care for the community.
She knows firsthand how critical these resources are in recovery, and she wants to amplify MSKTC’s reach. Cindy feels confident that when she raises a need or shares feedback, it will be heard and considered carefully by the MSTKC team. That sense of trust and collaboration fuels her desire to represent MSKTC on a broader scale.
What has Cindy done as an MSKTC ambassador?
Cindy facilitates retreats for young adults and adults across the U.S. and Canada, where transformation and healing take center stage. She runs virtual support groups for multiple organizations, extending her reach and impact. At every retreat and in every session, she makes sure survivors and professionals know that MSKTC is a go-to resource. Whether she’s handing out factsheets during therapy or answering questions about burn recovery tools like lasers, Cindy connects people with the trusted information they need. In addition, Cindy helped develop the MSTKC factsheet on sexuality after burn injury. She was also featured in the MSKTC award-winning videos on return to school after burn injury and sexuality after burn injury.
Cindy’s always championed the importance of aftercare, and as an MSKTC ambassador, she continues to spread awareness among healthcare workers, first responders, and survivors alike. For Cindy, this work isn’t just professional, it’s personal, passionate, and lifelong.