ELMHURST – All her life, Christina Buckley, 25, of Elmhurst has looked up to her older brother, Brian Buckley, 29. So when she saw him in the Loyola University Hospital burn unit after he suffered burns over almost half of his body, she was devastated.

The Buckleys' house was heavily damaged in a fire in the early morning hours of April 16, leaving Brian’s upper body severely injured.

“At first, I didn’t think he was that bad, but when I went in the room and saw him all bandaged up and his eye was swollen, it was instant tears,” Christina said. “He is so active and strong, and when you see someone so helpless, it’s truly awful.”

Brian has already had four surgeries, and while his long-term prognosis is good, he still faces a long road to recovery, including more surgeries. Christina has set up a GoFundMe page to help offset Brian’s medical costs, and Stimac’s Restaurant in Hillside is hosting a fundraiser for the family May 20.

Christina said her brother could be out of work for a year or longer and will need financial support. So far, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $14,500.

“He will have medical bills, school loans and will be out of work, so he needs help,” she said. “Stimac’s has organized everything for the fundraiser, so it’s a good way for us to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s donated or helped us. We’re very grateful to have a community around us that’s willing to take the time and money to support Brian.”

Nora Buckley, Brian and Christina’s mother, said she’s “in awe” of the generosity of Stimac’s to organize the fundraiser, and she is very grateful to everyone who has rallied around her family.

“People coming together to help someone in need is wonderful. It’s uplifting to see all the kindness,” she said. “I don’t know what else to say but thank you. It’s just amazing.”

At about 2:30 a.m. April 16, Christina said she was awoken to her mother’s screams, urging her, her brother and father to get out of the house. The fire had started in Brian’s room, although no cause has been found yet. Everyone in the family, including the pets, escaped, but the family quickly noticed the burns on Brian’s arms and hands. Paramedics immediately took him to Loyola University’s burn unit, where he remained for several days.

Christina said she’s very grateful to the paramedics who recognized the severity of Brian’s injuries and took him straight to a specialized burn unit. Brian is now at a rehabilitation center in Chicago, where he will remain for about two more weeks.

“If he had gone to any other hospital first, it would’ve been much worse,” she said. “He has his good days and his bad days. He’s trying to put a positive spin on it, and overall, he’s in good spirits. He’s at a great facility, and he’s starting to get his abilities back.”

Nora said the fire is a life-changing event for her entire family, and despite the difficulties they’ve gone through, they all appreciate each other more.

“My kids have become much closer after this, which is lovely to see. He’s going to need a lot of support,” she said.

While the house was not a complete loss, the entire upper level needed to be rebuilt. The family is currently staying at a hotel and is hoping to rent a house. They plan to move back into their home when it’s completed in about six months.

---

How to help

To donate, visit gofundme.com and search "Brian's Recovery Fund."

---

If you go

What: Fundraiser for Brian Buckley

When: 7 p.m. May 20

Where: Stimac’s, 4843 Butterfield Road, Hillside