CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The survivor of a deadly plant explosion in Kinston returned to the

>North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center

in Chapel Hill on a special mission.

On Saturday, Jim Edwards and other burn survivors returned to the Jaycee Burn Center for the 12th annual "Celebration of Life."

"[I want to] let the doctors and nurses know how much I appreciate what they've done. You know, it's the least I could do for their hard work," Edwards said.

Edwards was working inside the West Pharmaceutical plant in Kinston when it exploded on Jan. 29. He was burned over 60 percent of his body and spent eight months at th eburn center.

"It's meant a lot to us -- the wonderful care and wonderful people, they're like family," said Red Edward, Jim's father.

Jim Edwards left Chapel Hill in September to settle back at home in Kinston. The explosion left him blind and Edwards attends rehabilitation three days a week, but his spirit remains high.

"Well, it's kind of hard, but it's one day at a time and I'm getting along good," he said. "It's wonderful, you know, to be home and everything. It's nice to be home around friends and family."

Edwards stays in close contact with his friends from West Pharmaceutical and his new friends from the burn center. He said they inspire each other to heal together.

Chapel Hill will host the National Burn Support Group conference next year.