
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 10, 1995                   TAG: 9501100074
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FRANKLIN GIRL LEAVES UVA BURN CENTER

Cristina Pruitt, the 16-year-old Patrick Henry High School student burned in a Dec. 21 fire that ravaged her Franklin County home, has been released from the University of Virginia burn center.

"We've really been thrilled with her recovery," said Edward Pruitt, Cristina's grandfather. "She's doing beautifully."

A family member said Cristina Pruitt was burned on her face, neck and hands, and her recovery will continue for several months.

Pruitt's mother, Cynthia Barton, and three of Barton's children were killed in the fire that destroyed the wooden home the family rented in the remote Truevine section of Franklin County.

Fire investigators determined old electrical wiring caused the fire.

To help offset Pruitt's medical costs, a special fund has been set up at the Salem Bank and Trust at 110 E. Main St., Salem 24153.

Trustees of the fund include Cynthia Barton's father, Raymond Barton of Salem, and Patrick Henry High School Principal Elizabeth Lee.

People interested in donating to the fund are asked to make checks payable to the Cristina L. Pruitt Fund. For additional information, call Harold Weikle at (703) 375-3029.

by CNB