2019 Scholarship Winner

In 2005, Taquarius (“TQ”) Wair was a 4-year-old living in Minneapolis when a house fire ravaged his home, took his sister’s life and left him with third-degree burns to over 55 percent of his body. He was treated at the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center for months and lost fingers on his left hand. Even though he endured multiple surgeries and skin grafting procedures, he maintained a positive attitude and never let scars define him.

TQ was a curious, playful and energetic boy. When he was old enough, he started playing football. In high school, his coach saw his positivity and unwavering commitment to encouraging and supporting his teammates. During his senior season, he excelled on and off the field. This year he played football for Mesabi Range College in Northern Minnesota.

“Having survived burn trauma myself, I know the pain this young man endured,” explains Firefighters for Healing founder Jake LaFerriere. “His resilience and the way he’s made a positive impact on others is so inspiring – it deserves recognition.”

“I’m sure that playing football was very therapeutic,” continues LaFerriere. “The simple fact that TQ leaned on his inner strength to stay motivated to do well in school and play a sport is amazing. He is a Minnesota hero and it’s an honor to give him this scholarship to cover the amount he needs for tuition and housing for an entire academic year.”