Megan Kimbrough undergoes surgery to harvest skin, family says

POLK CO., Fla - Megan Kimbrough, 26, who sustained burns over 80 percent of her body after being set on fire, successfully underwent surgery Tuesday morning to harvest her skin in an attempt to re-grow it, family said.

Police said Megan's husband, Joshua Kimbrough, 32, doused his wife in gasoline August 3 and then lit her on fire inside of their Lakeland home.

Megan, who remains in a medically induced coma, is still recovering at Tampa General Hospital.

Alongside Megan as she came out of surgery Tuesday was Audrey Mabrey. 

Mabrey was in the process of divorcing her husband, Christopher Hanney, in November of 2009 when he attacked her in their Apollo Beach house. Hanney grabbed Mabrey, took her to the garage, beat her with a hammer, doused her with gasoline and then tossed a lit candle at her and set her on fire.

Hanney was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated battery and arson.

Mabrey went to the hospital Friday to meet with Megan's parents and has committed to being Megan's advocate.

"This is a lifelong commitment for me," Audrey told ABC Action News on Friday.

Medical procedures have been touch-and-go for Megan, who doctors say is still in a fragile state.

Megan was slated to undergo surgery Friday to place donor skin on her chest, but doctors were not able to do this because Megan began coughing up mucus, which blocked her airway.

Megan's father, Teddy Lawhorn, said 32 percent to 39 percent of Megan's burns are third-degree and the rest are second-degree and first-degree burns.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Megan's family created the Facebook page, 'Pray for Megan, ' to provide friends and supporters with daily updates on her condition.

As of Tuesday afternoon, close to 1,500 had liked the page.  Many commenting on the page post words of hope and support.

"To Megan and her family, I really don't know you but this has really touched my heart," wrote Melissa Williams. "The love of a parent never stops no matter how hard life gets.  I cannot imagine the pain you are going through as parents."

Other posts come from those who do know Megan.

"I love you Megan, please get better," wrote Amy Whelan-Hickman.

Mabrey also started an online push to get monetary donations to help Megan pay her mounting medical bills. Visit http://www.gofundme.com/10qqds to find out more. Mabrey's goal is to raise $25,000.