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