On September 15, 1979, when Sonnenberg was 22 months old, he was involved in a devastating accident that left him with burns over 85% of his body. Sonnenberg was burned after a tractor trailer crashed into the car he was in, resulting in the rupturing of its fuel tank. Sonnenberg was rescued from the burning car by a stranger. The tissue damage suffered included the loss of the fingers on his right hand, his left hand entirely, his ears, and damage to his skull.[1][2][3][4][5]
It took Sonnenberg many years to recover from the burn injuries.[6] He endured 45 surgeries and the emotional pain of dealing with disfigurement, but through the support of faith, family, and friends, he went on to become a student leader, all-conference athlete and internationally sought speaker.[7][8]
Sonnenberg completed studies toward a master of theology degree and has been on speaking tours throughout the United States and many other countries.[9]
Sonnenberg has become an active international speaking minister, with particular interest in persons with disabilities.[10]
^Lauterer, Maggie (28 September 1986). "'A new frontier' Joel winning fight for a normal life". Asheville Citizen-Times. No. p. 1C.
^Reinhardt, Susan (6 August 2000). "Grace has no limits". Asheville Citizen-Times. No. p. 1B.
^Reinhardt, Susan (19 October 2004). "Joel makes his prime time acting debut and steals the stage and some hearts". Asheville Citizen-Times. No. p. D1.
^Staff Reports (16 June 2005). "Joel Sonnenberg travels to South Korea to share his story". Asheville Citizen-Times. No. Black Mountain News, p.2.
"Courage". 48 Hours Mystery. CBS News. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2011-12-13. Two-year-old Joel Sonnenberg, strapped into a baby seat, was horribly burned. Doctors spent years trying to repair the damage. He underwent more thn <sic> 40 separate surgeries.