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.