SAN ANGELO, Texas — Zach Sutterfield is a survivor.
He's also a former "theatre kid", an advocate and a compassionate human being.
In 2018, Sutterfield had just transferred from Angelo State University to Texas State when a fire broke out at his friend's apartment.
Sutterfield survived the fire but was left with severe bodily burns. Five people died in the incident and he is grateful everyday to be alive.
"I was burned 60% of my body, I received traumatic brain injury, I passed away twice in the hospital," Sutterfield said. "So there's a lot of things that have happened to me that have really given me a solid outlook on my life."
The road to recovery hasn't been easy, but at 8 p.m. Sept. 3, the Be Theatre is hosting a benefit event to help reduce the burden of Sutterfield's surgery costs.
The night will include comedy skits, dancing for dollar bills and a live band with the goal of reaching $8,000.
Free adult beverages, soda and snacks will also be available to attendees and Be Theatre artistic director Sidney Timmer said she is excited to see a live crowd after two years of virtual fundraising. With COVID cases subsiding, the event is back in-person again.
"It's the whole nine yards for our Zach benefit," Timmer said.
All of the proceeds will go directly to Sutterfield's next surgery, and donations can be made through Venmo @betheatre or with cash or check.
Sutterfield has been in and out of surgeries for the past four years, but his upcoming procedure at the end of September will be the last one for awhile.
"They're gonna rebuild my hand, my ear, some more reverse liposuction on my back...," Sutterfield said.
Despite the trauma Sutterfield has endured, he is keen on keeping a positive outlook on life.
"I think, you know, it's really easy to get sad and down given my limitations, right, but I learned very early in the hospital that I was just so lucky to be alive," he said.
Looking into the future, Sutterfield hopes to travel across the United States to spread awareness about fire safety and secure housing conditions for college students in particular.
He wants to make Texas a safer place and hopes to continue advocacy throughout his life.
With an optimistic attitude, Sutterfield sits on stage with a smile.
"I'm blessed to be here, I'm grateful to be here, so by golly I'm gonna make the most of everyday."
Go to betheatre.com for tickets and additional information.