April 2026 Burn Bulletin

Our thoughts are with the Oken Family as we remember and honor the memory and legacy of Stan Oken. The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation is honored to be a part of Stan’s legacy through Champ Camp.

On November 21, 1980, Stan Oken was staying on the 21st floor of the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas when heavy black smoke filled the hallway. Not knowing where the fire was but knowing he needed to leave the building immediately, he started down the stairwell. With people backing up the stairwell and the doors to the floors locked, Stan realized he needed to find another escape route, turned, and went up the stairs to the 26th floor, where he was able to reach a helicopter that flew him and others to safety. About 5,000 people were in the hotel, and 85 perished in the fire. Stan experienced and sought help for survivor’s guilt. He decided the best healing was to give back to other survivors.  

Our burn camp had only been in existence for a couple of years when Stan’s family began subsidizing the camp. Stan went to the AARBF board and told them the children needed a camp that could prepare them for real life, not just a one-week protected experience. He told them they shouldn’t be calling it a burn camp; it should be called “Champ Camp” because the children are champions going through surgeries and recovery! Stan has said, “Champ Camp has been the biggest thing in my life that has touched me.”  With the support of Stan Oken and the entire Oken Family, Champ Camp was moved to Wonder Valley, where it will be hosting its 41st camp in June. A milestone made possible by Stan’s choice to heal through giving.

We will miss you, Stan. Thank you for being our champion.  

The Oken family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 19th, at Wonder Valley, starting at 11:30 am. Details are available here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fresno-ca/stan-oken-12753066

On March 7, 2026, the Torrance Firefighter Association proudly hosted the 52nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner alongside the Bake Sale by the Torrance Firefighter Women’s Foundation — and the community showed up in the biggest way.

Together, they served about 800 meals and celebrated the spirit of giving that makes Torrance Firefighter Association so special. Thanks to the generosity and support of everyone who attended, the Firefighter Association was able to donate $14,000 to support our amazing Champ Camp.

A huge thank you to our volunteers, our firefighters, our Women’s Foundation, and every community member who joined us.  Your support truly makes a difference.

And an extra-special thank you to Scott Diekmann, who dedicated 28 years to organizing this beloved event. His commitment is deeply meaningful to the burn community, and his heart shaped this tradition in the most impactful way.

On Saturday March 7th, we were so fortunate to attend this year’s Charity Burn Gala hosted by The San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation (SJFFBF). SJFFBF does so much to help the community here in CA. The support they offer patients treated by our friends at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has made such a strong impact on the lives and recovery of so many survivors. It was such an incredible night filled with great food, awesome auction items, and the company of some truly remarkable members of the burn community. We got to hear from survivors who shared their stories about overcoming the challenges early on in their recovery, and to see them that night, dressed up feeling proud and triumphant was so special. Also, getting a snapshot into the work the burn unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is doing to ensure the best possible care for survivors now, and in the future has us confident that anyone who finds themself as a patient there is in great hands. 

Thank you so much, SJFFBF, for such a great night of celebration and your continuous involvement in the burn survivor community and hospital staff at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Your commitment to helping survivors and their families makes a lasting and meaningful difference. We so deeply appreciate your compassion, enthusiasm, and generosity you bring to our mission every day. 

We look forward to the continuation of our working partnership again this year.

Over the weekend of March 13–15, we took 37 burn survivors ages 7–17 and over 20 volunteers up to Bear Valley for the annual Statewide California Ski Trip, and it was such an amazing weekend.

Thank you to Bear Valley Skyline Resort for providing lessons, rental equipment, food, and an overall incredible experience on the mountain. For a lot of our survivors, this was their first time skiing or snowboarding. There were some tense nerves at the beginning, but it did not take long before we started seeing confidence build. By the end of the day, they were trying new runs, supporting each other, and really owning it. Seeing that shift always makes these trips worth it. The majority of our group was out on the slopes the entire time, which was really fun to see.

After a full day on the mountain, we were hosted by Bear Valley Public Safety and taken on snowmobiles throughout the town. This is always a highlight for our group. It gave everyone a chance to have fun in a different way, laugh a lot, and just take in the experience together.

More than anything, this weekend was about connections. Watching the group show up for each other, celebrate the small wins, and step outside of their comfort zones in a real way is what stood out the most. We wrapped up the weekend with drinks from Gold Country Roasters, sitting around the gazebo in the park and sharing our favorite moments from the trip.

We also want to thank Stockton Fire Department Station 2, Ebbetts Pass Fire, Manteca Fire, and Arnolds Angels for feeding our group throughout the weekend. A special thank you to Murphys Fire for lodging us in their training center.

Another huge thank you to our awesome volunteers who made this weekend so special and safe for our campers.

Overall, we enjoyed a very meaningful weekend with an amazing community.

On Saturday, March 14th, AARBF was honored to be the charity of choice for the Clovis Rodeo Association’s CowGirl Up Luncheon. Our director, Katrina, was joined by survivors Veronica, Glow, Ducky, and Nene to enjoy an afternoon of community and fundraising. AARBF would like to thank the Clovis Rodeo Association for the care and hard work they put into this wonderful event, the generous donors who supported the live and silent auctions, and last but not least, all of the gorgeous Cowgirls who came out in support of the Rodeo Association and AARBF. We are truly grateful for your support of our mission and the 41st Champ Camp, coming up this June. 

We loved spending time with the Alameda County Firefighters on Saturday, March 14th, when they hosted an amazing St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast. The morning included enjoying delicious green pancakes and raising awareness (and funds) for fire safety and prevention.

After Breakfast, Station 16 happened to be right along the path of the Dublin CA’s 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade so attendees could continue to enjoy all of the festivities. Such a fun community event and we’re so grateful folks had an opportunity to get outside, wear something green, enjoy spending time with family, and most importantly, eat pancakes.

Thank you to Alco Fire, for all of the work you put into keeping our community safe and protected. Looking forward to being with you at the next pancake breakfast.

AARBF’s Board President, Dave Miller, joined the San Luis Obispo chapter of the King David’s Masonic Lodge for an evening event on March 17th. The masons donated $2,500 in support of AARBF’s mission to support burn survivors and their families and to provide burn prevention education. We are honored to partner with the Lodge. 

AARBF once again joined the California Fire Symposium held annually in Fresno, CA, for their Cornhole tournament. AARBF’s Katrina and Erika were joined by volunteers Hydra and Chop Suey to promote essential partnerships between fire departments across the state and AARBF. Our teamwork brings together firefighters and volunteers in support of our prevention education and burn survivors in their communities. We thank the California Training Officers Association for their work in putting together the raffle and cornhole tournament and for supporting the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation with a donation of $16,426. 

Over the weekend of March 20–23, we gathered at Pali Retreat in Running Springs, CA for our Women’s Empowerment Weekend, “Wild & Rooted,” bringing together female burn survivors ages 21 and older for a few days of connection, reflection, and growth. 

Throughout the weekend, participants moved through a thoughtfully designed series of workshops centered on identity, healing, and personal growth. From grounding in our sense of wildness, to creative activities like the tree wall and Kintsugi, each space offered a different way to reflect and reconnect. Workshops like embracing your inner child, upside down, and post-traumatic growth opened the door for deeper conversations around healing, resilience, and growth. There was also space for joy and expression through music, dancing, and open mic, which brought a lot of laughter, vulnerability, and shared energy into the room.  

We also made time for fun and stepping outside of our comfort zones. The group zip line was a highlight of the weekend and something many participants were really looking forward to as a fun and exciting part of the experience. While there were still some nerves, it quickly turned into a moment of encouragement, laughter, and cheering each other on. It was one of those experiences that really captured both the joy and strength of the group. 

Throughout the weekend, there was also a shared sense of trusting the process and trusting the universe, allowing space for things to unfold in ways that felt meaningful for each person. Those moments of reflection, connection, and even uncertainty became part of the growth. 

More than anything, this weekend was about the community. It was about showing up as you are, being seen, and being supported by others who truly understand the burn recovery journey. Across workshops, shared meals, and late-night conversations, meaningful connections were built that will last far beyond the weekend. 

A big thank you to our Angel Flight pilots for helping make this experience possible and supporting our participants in getting to and from the weekend safely. We’re also so grateful to everyone who helped create this space and to the women who showed up fully and made the weekend what it was.

On Sunday, March 29th, 9 teams of Firefighters, law enforcement officers, elite runners, and athletes from around the Central Valley started at the Chukchansi Ballpark to take part in the 2026 Fresno Urban Run, which finished with the 10-story climb of the historic Grand Hotel in downtown Fresno. Since January, Fresno City College Fire Academy Class 65 and College of the Sequoias Fire Academy Class 21-45 have been raising funds alongside AARBF volunteer Pointdexter, totaling $17,219 for AARBF and Champ Camp. 

Thank you to the dedicated cadets, Scott “Pointdexter” Mellon, the race team sponsor Johansons Transportation Services, and the California Classic Events team for hosting this annual run.

On Sunday, March 29, we were invited to be part of Wonder Valley’s Family Day, and it was such a special experience. Wonder Valley generously sponsored a new burn survivor family, covering their entry and tickets so they could fully enjoy the day at no cost and get a glimpse of what camp could look like for their camper. 

There was so much to do, from the ropes course and zip line to go-carts, pony rides, archery, waterslides, swimming, and canoeing. It was a full day of fun, connection, and new experiences for the family. 

We are so grateful for Wonder Valley’s continued partnership and support. Hosting events like this not only create meaningful moments for our families but also helps raise funds that make programs like Champ Camp possible.

Join us the first Thursday of each month for our virtual support group designed exclusively for caregivers, family members, friends, and loved one of burn survivors who are at any stage of the recovery journey. The group provides opportunities to share experiences, exchange support, and learn from others who have walked similar paths. Participants are welcome to share their experiences, listen, or take part in whatever way feels comfortable.

When: First Thursday of each month at 7:00PM Pacific
Access: Click here to register and attend the Zoom session

For questions, please contact our Southern CA Care Manager, Martha Banks at mbanks@aarbf.org.

The SoCal Golf Tournament is returning on May 5th. This extremely popular event sells out every year. Early registration will guarantee you will be a part of the fun.  

When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Where: Black Gold Country Club, Yorba Linda, CA 

Time: Check in Begins at 9:30 AM with the Shot Gun Start at 11:00 AM

Special thanks to Red Pointe Roofing for sponsoring this event.

Register today: https://myevent.com/aarbfgolf

AARBF is excited to announce a new partnership with Three off the Tee. On May 11th at the Temecula Creek in LA County, Firefighter Jake Raden will host the 1st annual Fairways for the Fallen Golf Tournament in support of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

When: Monday, May 11, 2026

Where: Temecula Creek Inn Golf Club

Time: 9 am registration, 10:30 Shot gun start, 3 pm Buffet

Giveaways, Raffles, Banquet and more for all golfers. You even have the chance to win a Tesla!

Contact Jake Raden at 661-478-2387 for more information.

Applications are open for the Woody and Louise Reed Bridge to Life Scholarship. This incredible program, made possible by the Reed family, awards scholarships to burn survivors or their immediate family members seeking post-secondary education after high school. This can be community college, college, university, or trade school and is open to all ages going directly into or returning to education.

Apply today at: https://forms.gle/bffj8qEcspGto69m7

For questions, please contact us at info@aarbf.org.

AARBF participated in National Burn Awareness Week, February 1st – 6th. This week, created by our friends at the American Burn Association, is an annual initiative to bring together burn, fire and life safety educators to educate the public about the devastation and causes of burn injuries and the steps you can take to prevent them.

This year’s theme was “Preventing Burns in the Workplace.” We spent the week sharing tips showing ways to prevent burn injuries where they happen most – at work. 

Thank you, the Leon S Peters Burn Unit at CRMC, for inviting AARBF to share important burn and Fire prevention information with the Fresno Community.  

On February 4th, nine fire departments from across the Central Valley joined Katrina for the 11th Annual Central Valley Firefighters Burn Relay. This annual tradition starts at the MMU CALFIRE station in Madera, from where fire engines, trucks, brush rigs, and ambulances travel through Clovis, Sanger, and Kingsburg, ending at the Fresno Fire Department’s headquarters in downtown Fresno, escorted by the Fresno County CHP. Along the route, local fire unions generously donate to support Champ Camp. This year, we raised $17,950 from Fresno Fire Local 202, Fresno Fire Chiefs Foundation, Clovis, CALFIRE Fresno-Kings, CALFIRE MMU, Sanger, Kingsburg, Coalinga, and Hanford Firefighters Associations. AARBF thanks members of the CRMC Leon S Peters Burn Center for joining our departments at our luncheon sponsored by the Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union. 

AARBF appreciates the opportunity to highlight the dedication of our Central Valley Fire departments to support the burn community and our mission. 

AARBF invites you to read our 2025 Annual Report. This report details last year’s accomplishments in an easy-to-read format. In 2025, we brought together 769 survivors and their families through Camps and Recreation programming, hosted 108 support groups serving 404 survivors and 116 supporters, facilitated 388 peer support sessions, and conducted 538 hospital visits. In addition, we expanded our prevention programming by adding a new fire department to the Firefighters in Safety Education (FISE), reached over 6,000 residences in Fresno County to make them more wildfire safe, and added a new lesson to the N.I.C.K. Program for the neurodivergent community.

Visit the About Us tab on our website, or click here to view the report.

Over the Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13th – 16th, we gathered with 27 of our young adults for the Young Adult Summit (YAS). This year’s theme was YOUniverse exemplifying how each survivor was unique and also part of the greater collective.

Seeing our 16-20-year-olds show up, asking real questions, supporting each other, and really leaning into every workshop was amazing. From learning about medical forms and home repair to body image, relationships, sleep science, and public speaking, these young adults gave it their all. Plus, getting to explore the beach and local wildlife together made it even more special. We are so incredibly proud of the growth and skills we were able to witness this weekend.

Thank you to our incredible volunteer/mentors who have made such a profound commitment to the YAS program. Many of our mentors have been returning to YAS year after year, donating their time, professional skills, creativity, and more. This weekend event would not be possible without them.  

Along with the Young Adult Summit, we were also excited to host 22 adult burn survivors at Camp Ocean Pines for our annual Adult Retreat. Folks joined us from all over California, and we were fortunate enough to have a group from the BC Burn Fund join us as well. The weekend started off with an amazing opening ceremony curated by our longtime friend and supporter of the burn survivor community, Wendy, who highlighted the significance of the upcoming Lunar new year. The transition from the year of the snake to this year of the fire horse had so much strong imagery and messages that burn survivors could relate to. The idea that this weekend was an opportunity to shed our skin, grow a little bit, and ride a fire horse confidently into the next phase of our lives was so powerful.

We spent the weekend making meaningful connections with one another and processing our thoughts and feelings around being a burn survivor through art projects, workshop activities, and of course tons of rich discussion between peers. One of the art projects we spent a lot of time on was a mask panting exercise. Attendees decorated the outside of their masks with images or colors that capture how we think we are perceived by others, and the inside would be decorated with how we perceive ourselves. This generated a ton of great discussion about how, and why there is usually a big difference between the two and really helped the group gain a better understanding of ourselves and each other.

We had one afternoon where the weather was more forgiving, so we decided it was a good idea to spend that time at the beach. What better place to unwind, take a breather, and continue to connect with each other and our environment. For many people, it can be really challenging to dedicate time to just take a moment, enjoy the beauty of nature, and just appreciate all the small things that got you to that moment. Seizing this opportunity in what would otherwise be a very scheduled, action-packed weekend was a great reminder to everyone that sometimes taking a break is just what we need to make sure we can take the next steps restored and reinvigorated.

Throughout the weekend we were treated to so many talented folks sharing their art with the group. From one of our new friends at the BC Burn Fund, we were blown away by a song they had written during their time in the hospital right after their burn injury. Phoenix by Valor Grey captures the feelings this survivor had during that really critical time where you are faced with tremendous adversity and uncertainty, but through such adversity they have become braver, stronger, and so much more than the scars you might see. After listening, we couldn’t help but feel empowered by our experiences and proud of each other for everything we had to overcome to get where we are today.  An attendee from the Bay Area shared an animated music video they had created for their senior art project that was heavily inspired by their experience as a burn survivor. Set It On Fire by Bentbones on YouTube depicts a ghost child who, despite persisting through incredibly difficult situations, does not always feel seen or understood. This message resonates with many burn survivors and after watching, it became easier to embrace vulnerability and feel connected and supported by one another by realizing we are not the only ones who have had these difficult feelings. All of the art shared this weekend, whether it was professionally constructed or not, was intended to show the similarities we have and the journey we go through as burn survivors. The courage it took each and every participant to capture their experience through art and share it for others to understand and connect with inspiring, and made such a strong healing impact I know many of us will cherish for a long time.

Towards the end of the retreat, we were able to have a sit-down family style dinner where we could all be together and recap what a special time we all got to have. With our hearts full, and new friends made, we set off the following day looking forward to the next Adult Retreat. So much gratitude for everyone who was able to attend and for all of those who contributed towards making this event as meaningful as it was. Special shout out to our volunteers, Cindy Rutter, Wendy Domster, and Daniel Chacon, as well as Andrew from Camp Ocean Pines, thank you all so much, and can’t wait to see you next time.

On Friday, February 13th, AARBF’s Associate Director, Katrina Arthur, was honored to attend the 91st Members Dinner hosted by the Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union. CVFireCU is a proud sponsor of AARBF, supporting the Central Valley Burn Relay, Chili Cook-off, and Dinner & Dance. At this year’s Members Dinner, the generosity of the Central Valley shone brightly, raising $3,285 from the silent auction and member donations in support of our 41st Champ Camp in June. However, the giving continued and as of today, the total has reached $4,035.

AARBF is grateful for the generosity of the CVFireCU staff, board, and membership. Your continued support makes an impact for burn survivors across the valley and state. 

We are so excited for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Under-5 event coming up April 11th. On that Saturday morning, burn survivors ages 5 and under, along with their families will enjoy:

• Breakfast with Monterey Firefighters
• Fire station tour
• Parent support group
• Activities for children

Then everyone heads to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, complimentary tickets from AARBF, to enjoy at their own pace. It is a great connecting experience for families and their kids.

Register here: http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

Register today as spaces are limited.

Mike “Otter” Gonzalez first became aware of the AARBF in 1989. One of his friends at the firehouse, Bryan had been burned in a small airplane crash and treated at Bothin Burn Unit in San Francisco. After his recovery, Bryan and two other Firefighters started a golf tournament that in the second year (1989) named the AARBF as the beneficiary. Mike and his wife, Evie assisted with the tournament each year. In 1997 San Mateo County Chapter President, Mike Leong came to a SSFFD union meeting to thank the union for raising funds for AARBF and at that time told of a need for Champ Camp counselors. Mike and Evie decided they would volunteer to be Champ Camp counselors the next day, and their alter egos, Otter and Mouser were born. Otter said, “You go to camp thinking you want to give back… and you do… but it’s like anything else that you do when you work hard at it, you get back more than what you gave.”

Throughout the years that followed, Otter continued to volunteer for AARBF for different programs and in a variety of ways, including the board of directors!

In the past couple of years, Otter has taken a step back from with his event volunteering, focusing the majority of his energy on the launch and growth of the “Friends of Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation” which is a quasi-Alumni Association for past and present volunteers, champ counselors, staff, prevention partners, fundraising partners, survivors and their families, basically everyone who has been a stakeholder for AARBF these past 55 years. Otter along with his committee members have worked diligently reaching out to past volunteers and reengaging them with AARBF through monthly foundation updates, including social, volunteer, and donor opportunities. If you are interested in joining the Friends of AARBF, please provide your contact information here: https://forms.gle/AMQrDVo4NcSmZU6i8

For questions about the association, please reach out to Mike “Otter” at 650-515-6142 or otter.mouser@pacbell.net. 

Please help us thank Otter for his 38 years of service to AARBF and for his continued commitment to our success.

A Champ Camp alum and Stanford Graduate School of Education doctoral student is conducting a study to better understand how college students with physical differences/disabilities (including burn survivors) navigate campus resources and accommodations—and how families and educators support them. Want to share your experience? You can participate by completing a short online survey and/or 45–60 minute interview (Zoom or in person). Participation is completely voluntary and confidential.

Survey link: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9HnvRYaDCs5SFo2

Questions? Contact Maria Jose at mjme@stanford.edu or (310) 647-7235.

We are excited about the upcoming 41st Champ Camp on June 6th – 13th. We would love to have you be a part of this magical experience. Please do not delay getting your application submitted before the deadlines listed below.

Counselors in Training (CITs) – must complete your registration by March 31, 2026

Campers – parents must complete their child’s registration by May 22, 2026

Register today at http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

For more information about Champ Camp or concerns about camp conflicting with your child’s school schedule, please contact Erika “Kika” Mendoza at emendoza@aarbf.org.  

The annual Fresno Urban Run is coming up quickly on Sunday, March 29th. Come out and watch as Fire Academy Cadets, Central Valley Fire Departments, Police Agencies, and Elite Runners from across the world come to Fresno to test their skills. The route starts at Chukchansi Stadium and culminates in a 10-story climb up the historic Grand Hotel. These athletes compete for medals and help raise awareness and funds for AARBF.

Visit our website www.givebutter.com/FUR2026 and support AARBF in 3 ways:

1. Create a team of runners and set a donation goal.
2. Join an existing team and run alongside them to help them achieve their goal.
3. Donate on behalf of a team or member to help them reach their goal.

Good luck FCC Fire Academy Class 65, COS Fire Academy Class 21-45, Pointdexter and all the other participants.

Applications are open for the Woody and Louise Reed Bridge to Life Scholarship for the 2026/2027 educational year. This incredible program, made possible by the Reed family, awards scholarships to burn survivors or their immediate family members seeking post-secondary education after high school. This can be community college, college, university, or trade school and is open to all ages going directly into or returning to education.

Apply today at: https://forms.gle/bffj8qEcspGto69m7

For questions, please contact us at info@aarbf.org.

Champ Camp 2026 planning officially began at our annual planning weekend, January 17th-19th. Our dedicated program staff gathered in Pismo, CA to start creating another unforgettable week for our burn survivors ages 5 to 17 years. Through team building, thoughtful discussions, and lots of theme brainstorming, we are moving forward into Champ Camp’s 41st year. This year’s theme is LEGENDS and we cannot wait to bring everyone together this summer. Eligible campers and CITs are encouraged to please register as soon as possible on our camper website. Champ Camp will take place June 6th to 13th and we are so excited to welcome both new and returning campers for an unforgettable week. We appreciate our dedicated volunteers for coming together for such a productive weekend, thank you. It was incredible to see everyone’s passion for Champ Camp and the heart they bring to making this experience so special.    

For the 7th year in a row, Fire Academy Cadets, Central Valley Fire Departments, Police Agencies, and Elite Runners from across the world come to Fresno to test their skills at the Fresno Urban Run. On March 29th, starting at Chukchansi Stadium and culminating in a 10-story climb up the historic Grand Hotel, these athletes compete for medals and help raise awareness and funds for AARBF.

Visit our website www.givebutter.com/FUR2026 and support AARBF in 3 ways:

1. Create a team of runners and set a donation goal.
2. Join an existing team and run alongside them to help them achieve their goal.
3. Donate on behalf of a team or member to help them reach their goal.

Good luck FCC Fire Academy Class 65, COS Fire Academy Class 21-45, Pointdexter and all the other participants.

This month, we are honored to recognize Peter “Chop Suey” Reynaga and the many ways he continues to support the AARBF community. After sustaining burns at the age of 13, Peter quickly became involved with AARBF’s programs and has remained an active part of the burn survivor community ever since. 

Peter began volunteering with AARBF in 2014, as a Champ Camp counselor and has since taken on many roles within the organization. From supporting overnight weekend events to shuttling participants to and from activities, Peter is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. He is someone we can consistently depend on and who truly goes the extra mile. 

In addition to volunteering, Peter actively participates in support groups and retreats not only as a volunteer but also as a burn survivor. He balances many roles in his life as a son, brother, friend, and volunteer and continues to show up with so much dedication and heart. 

We appreciate you so incredibly much, Chop. Thank you for over 12 years of continued commitment as a volunteer to AARBF and the Burn Community. 

In January, applications opened for the Woody and Louise Reed Bridge to Life Scholarship for the 2026/2027 educational year. This incredible program, made possible by the Reed family, awards scholarships to burn survivors or their immediate family members seeking post-secondary education after high school. This can be community college, college, university, or trade school and is open to all ages going directly into or returning to education.

Apply today at: https://forms.gle/bffj8qEcspGto69m7

For questions, please contact us at info@aarbf.org.

This year’s Women’s Empowerment Weekend is coming to Southern California. Join us March 20th-23rd at the Pali Mountain Retreat in Running Springs, CA. The weekend event is open to women burn survivors ages 21+.

Register today: http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

If you have any questions, please reach out to Erika “Kika” Mendoza at emendoza@aarbf.org.

Time has a way of flying by and June will be here before you know it. Do not delay getting your Champ Camp application submitted before the deadlines listed below. We hope to see you at Wonder Valley in Sanger for this year’s camp, June 6th – 13th.

Counselors in Training (CITs) – must complete your registration by March 31, 2026

Campers – parents must complete their child’s registration by May 22, 2026

Register today at http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

For more information about Champ Camp or concerns about camp conflicting with your child’s school schedule, please contact Erika “Kika” Mendoza at emendoza@aarbf.org.  

Mark Your Calendar – The annual Torrance Firefighter’s Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale is coming up quickly on March 7th. Proceeds of this event benefit AARBF and Champ Camp. We are so grateful for the tremendous support of the Torrance Firefighters Association, Local 1138. We hope to see you there.

Central California

On December 6th, the Central Valley came together for our annual Holiday Party at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds in Clovis, CA. We had around 160 people in attendance which included burn survivors, family members, and volunteers who enjoyed a day filled with holiday crafts, cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, presents and great company. The energy that filled the room is a wonderful reminder of the strength and connection our community shares. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special.

AARBF would also like to thank all of our Central Valley Toy Drive sponsors for helping to make the AARBF Holiday Party a success. For the 3rd year, the Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union, Leon S Peter Burn Unit at CRMC, FCC Fire Academy Class 64, and the Sierra High School CSF collected toys for Santa to hand out this past Saturday. Your dedication to supporting the Central Valley burn community brings holiday joy to many. We appreciate your support. 

Southern California

December 7th was one for the books.

We celebrated the holiday season at theannual Southern California Holiday Party, and it was an unforgettable day. Everyone enjoyed visiting with one another, creating festive holiday crafts, snapping photos with Santa, and even interacting with several Avengers who stopped by to spread some cheer.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers for making the day so special for the 25 burn survivor families in attendance. Your dedication and kindness truly shine.

We greatly appreciate the support of the Children’s Burn Foundation for their generous toy donation that helped make the event even more magical. 

Northern California

The holiday celebrations continued into the next weekend, December 13th and 14th, with parties taking place in San Jose and San Francisco. At the UCSF-Hyde (St Francis Hospital) on the 13th, we partnered with burn unit and hospital staff to welcome 85 guests. In San Jose, we were privileged to work with the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation where we experienced an evening get-together welcoming 28 families.

Thank you to our holiday party partners and fabulous volunteers for creating holiday fun for our burn survivors and their families.

On Saturday, Dec 6th, AARBF’s Director, Katrina Arthur; Care Manager, Michael Knopf; and Board President, Dave Miller, along with volunteer Knuckles and burn survivor Leif, attended the Camp Ocean Pines Legacy dinner. We were honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Legacy Champions. In accepting, Michael shared the strong legacy our partnership with Camp Ocean Pines has had on not only him but also on survivors who attend our Young Adult Summit and Adult Retreat, helping build strong life skills, community bonds, and a sense of “Camp Magic” that can be found between the pines and shore of Camp Ocean Pines.

AARBF would like to congratulate Class 64 on their graduation from the Fresno City College Fire Academy on December 6th. At the event, AARBF’s Katrina Arthur took the opportunity to recognize the essential support Class 64 provided the foundation through both volunteerism and fundraising. This group of aspiring firefighters raised $2,085 for AARBF’s programs and services and also helped set up and serve dinner at the 15th Annual AARBF Dinner & Dance Their commitment to service helped the Dinner event to raise $45,440. As this new generation of firefighters join departments across the state, we look forward to seeing them again as partners, volunteers, and supporters of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. 

On December 11th, Katrina Arthur joined the members of the TCSA Central Valley Chapter for their annual Holiday Luncheon. For the third year, members of the Traffic Controllers Supervisors Association donated toys to four families in need of extra support this holiday season. Their generosity is mirrored in the joy on the faces of the burn survivors and their families as they receive the toys. Thank you to members of TCSA from the communities of Clovis, Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Kern County. Thank you to the City of Fresno Fire Department and the Leon S. Peters Burn Unit at CRMC for hosting the families.

On December 14th, AARBF’s Care Manager, Martha Banks joined Board Member Ché Ochtli at UCI Medical Center’s Winter Celebration.

Martha had a wonderful time reconnecting with members of our burn community and making new friends. As part of her role, she visits UCI’s burn unit weekly to provide care and support.

We are so grateful for our ongoing partnership with UCI and look forward to finding even more ways to collaborate in the coming year.  

We are very grateful to the volunteers, donors, and supporters of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. With you, our team accomplished so much for burn survivors and their families as well as furthering our reach in fire and burn prevention education in 2025. Below are the numbers of survivors, families, and community members we reached this past year.

For survivors and their families:

Camps and Recreation attendance = 769
Support Group attendance = 520
Peer Support sessions = 388
Hospital Visits = 538
Therapy Grant sessions = 40

Expansion to our fire and burn prevention education included:

Firefighters in Safety Education (FISE) welcomed a new agency reaching an additional 4,000 elementary students. Our FISE program typically reaches over 30,000 elementary students each year.

Wildfire P.R.E.P.A.R.E. reached 6,000 new households within a targeted campaign in Fresno County. In late 2025, we received additional grant funding to expand further into Fresno County as well as Riverside County.

Our partnership with Pyramid Educational Consultants added the “Toys vs Tools” lesson to our N.I.C.K. (Neurotypical/diverse Independent Communication Kit) for Fire and Burn Safety program.

For everyone who volunteered, donated, shared our posts, attended our events, invited us to your events, these accomplishments are your accomplishments. Thank you to our burn community for an impactful 2025. We look forward to accomplishing even more in 2026.

We are honored to celebrate Alberto Hernandez, a true pillar of the AARBF community. Burned at just 9 months old, Alberto carries hidden scars but has never let them define him. Since joining AARBF in 2000, Alberto has dedicated his life supporting burn survivors and their families with compassion and strength.

Since he became SOAR-trained, Alberto has been visiting the UCLA burn unit weekly, offering hope and encouragement to patients. He has volunteered as a bus chaperone for Champ Camp, ensuring campers arrive safe, and he has been bringing joy to our holiday parties, making every gathering brighter.

Alberto is not only a compassionate listener and communicator, but also a shining example of resilience and service. His commitment inspires us all, and we are deeply grateful for the countless lives he has touched.

We appreciate Alberto for his unwavering dedication to AARBF.

Young Adult Summit and The Adult Retreat

Applications for the Young Adult Summit “YAS” (burn survivors ages 16-20) and the Adult Retreat (burn survivors ages 21+) opened in December. Both events are happening the same dates, President’s Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2026. Registration will close on January 23, 2026.

Register today: http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

Please note: Due to limited space, the submission of your application does not guarantee your attendance. Please complete your application in full as soon as possible and you will be informed by our Camps and Recreation Manager directly if your participation/attendance is confirmed or waitlisted. We appreciate your understanding, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Erika “Kika” at emendoza@aarbf.org.

Champ Camp

Champ Camp registration is open for all levels. This years’ camp will be held June 6-13, 2026. Please note, we have three deadlines for this year.

Counselors – must complete your registration by January 31, 2026

Counselors in Training (CITs) – must complete your registration by January 31, 2026

Campers – parents must complete their child’s registration by May 22, 2026

Register today at http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

For more information, please contact Erika “Kika” Mendoza at emendoza@aarbf.org. 

Join us for the first What Now Workshop for 2026. We will be discussing next steps in the recovery process and how to create achievable goals. Caregivers are encouraged to attend.

When: January 22 at 7:00PM PT
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/nhzhk6uf
Questions: contact Martha Banks at mbanks@aarbf.org

We look forward to seeing you.