Burn Survivor Peer Support Brings Hope

Peer supporters with the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation bring optimism to several dozen burn-injured people each year.

"Peer supporters give family members and patients hope. Sometimes, in the beginning, the patient may be heavily sedated or on ventilator, and the family has so many questions that we can answer," said Larry Hartwig, a peer supporter in the SOAR program in Fresno. "I wished there was somebody like me to answer my questions when I was injured 27 years ago" more...

It's not too late to send a kid to Champ Camp!

"This place makes me feel special and normal instead of feeling like an outcast in the world. Here we can be ourselves and feel safe in how we look," says Sixfo, Champ Camper, age 16.

Champ Camp is a safe place where burn injured kids can experience great summer fun, be with friends who know what it's like to have a burn injury, and make memories to last a lifetime. Hosting over 150 kids ages 5-17, Champ Camp happens one week every June at Wonder Valley Ranch in Sanger, California. Although it costs $750 per child to attend, it is completely free for campers and their families. They enjoy trips to the water park, horseback riding, fishing, dances, and loads of other fun activities with their friends...only made possible by donations from many caring people like you more...