FULLERTON : Public Helps Burn Victim Face Future

Even though bandages cover third-degree burns on her legs, arm and hand, Sheryl Hayes speaks hopefully of finally ending a long streak of bad luck.

Merchants and residents have started a campaign to collect money for the 37-year-old Bellflower woman, who was severely burned in a kitchen accident two weeks ago.

While she was in the hospital being treated for her injuries, her boyfriend was killed in a traffic accident.

Businesses, restaurants and the Fullerton Firefighters Assn. have joined an antique mall in raising money to help Hayes, who has no health insurance and no job.

Even her two cocker spaniels are benefiting from the city’s generosity. Two pet stores have donated dog food.

“I can’t believe that so many people care,” Hayes said Wednesday, fighting back tears.

Hayes has struggled through hard times since 1992, when she was laid off from her job as an aircraft painter at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach. She eventually found a similar position at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard but was laid off there earlier this year.

She has work lined up as a painter for a private contractor, but doctors say that because of her injuries, she won’t be able to work until late January, Hayes said.

Hayes’ sister, Cindy Greer, has been using her business, Greer’s Antique Mall in Fullerton, as headquarters for the contribution campaign. All money donated will go to pay Hayes’ medical bills, rent and living expenses, Greer said, until her sister can get back on her feet.

Since Hayes’ story began circulating around town, “people are pulling together to help her,” Greer said, adding that she has been happy to lead the relief effort.

“You never know when it could be one of us who needs that helping hand,” she said.