Burn Bulletin

We have entered the holiday season and for some it can be a source of stress. Organizing the gatherings and meals can become a storm of misunderstandings and disagreements, especially for some of our burn survivors and their families. But how to improve the situation?

1. It’s okay to say no to events that can bring a lot of stress.
2. Practice gratitude, focusing on the good that the event can bring, such as seeing family and friends you haven’t seen in a long time.
3. Limit yourself and agree to stay for a few hours or minutes at the event if you feel uncomfortable.
4. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions if you’re struggling with some of them.
5. Consider virtual meetings.

By acknowledging your needs and allowing yourself to navigate the holiday season in a way that feels right to you and your loved ones, the holiday season can become a time of healing and connection, rather than just a source of stress.Our Care Managers are here to help. If you need group or peer support, please reach out to Martha Banks at mbanks@aarbf.org (Southern CA) or Michael Knopf at mknopf@aarbf.org (Northern CA).

“It would have been impossible for me to be where I am right now, if I had not received the emotional, physical, and financial support from the Burn Foundation.” -Rosa Diaz

In December 2007, just as the holidays began, Rosa suffered a severe burn injury. What should have been a season of joy turned into one of pain and uncertainty. Yet, her journey from isolation to community reminds us of the difference we can make, especially during the holidays when hope and healing are needed most. Click here to continue Rosa’s story.

October is Fire Prevention Month and is a very busy time for the foundation. Most activities occur during or near Fire Prevention Week, October 6th – 12th. This year’s theme was “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign was focused on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.  AARBF utilized our social media platforms to raise awareness of fire and burn prevention tips and programs. Read through this month’s stories to learn about the ways we engaged with our communities this past month.

In honor of Fire Prevention Week and AAC Awareness Month 2024, Pyramid Educational Consultants and the AARBF, have teamed up again to create a Smoke Alarm Safety infographic to help learners who benefit from using visual directions and resources.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme for 2024 was “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™.”  There are many types of smoke alarms available to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and communication challenges. Our colorful infographic is designed to help families and educators be better prepared for fire emergencies by choosing the best smoke alarm for their learners and practicing the skills to respond to smoke alarms. An additional teaching guide is also available to help with teaching these important skills.

In and around Fire Prevention Week, AARBF staff and volunteers attended several Firefighter Pancake Breakfasts and Open Houses, many of which donated their proceeds to the foundation.

We kicked off the month with the Mountain View Firefighters pancake breakfast on October 5th. Attendees were able to interact with the firefighters as they toured the station and learn about the various equipment in use.

The Albany Fire Department pancake breakfast and open house reached approximately 800-1000 people in their community on October 12th. Attendees were able to see the different equipment used within the fire station.

Also on October 12th was the Sunnyvale DPS Firefighters pancake breakfast. Attendees got to meet Sparky as well as tour the fire station’s training tower.

The next day, October 13th, we were at the Hanford Fire Department open house with Stop Drop and Roll demonstrations. Approximately, 600 attendees also learned kitchen safety lessons to Stay Smart Stay Safe, Stay 3 feet away.

The 24th annual Menlo Park Fire pancake breakfast, hosted by Junior League Palo Alto MP in partnership with Menlo Park Fire took place on October 19th. The morning was filled with fun family activities, seeing the fire equipment, and even a silent auction.

The annual SoCal Golf Tournament was held on October 8th. This year’s event raised a record of $35,000 for AARBF and Champ Camp. We are very grateful to John Patterson, Red Pointe Roofing, and everyone who attended and supported the tournament.

The foundation had a great time visiting our firefighter partners and acknowledging their financial support of AARBF through a series of regional burn relays.

On October 10th, Daniel Chacon and Erika Mendoza teamed up with Brian Leathers and Megan Leathers at the Central Coast Relay. The relay went to thirteen different elementary schools and one head start along with our eleven participating fire departments to teach quick burn prevention tips children. We reached around 4500 students throughout the day as well as children attending the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market which was our final stop. Five Cities Fire Department, Morro Bay Fire Department, San Luis Obispo Fire Department, Templeton Fire Department, Atascadero Fire Department, Santa Margarita Fire Department, Paso Robles Fire Department, San Miguel Fire Department, CAL Fire San Luis Obispo, Cambria Fire Department, and San Luis Obispo Fire Chiefs Association.

On October 25th, Daniel Chacon and Martha Banks visited Downey Fire, Manhattan Beach Fire, Arcadia Fire, Monrovia Fire, and Torrance Fire for the SoCal Burn Relay. While these agencies have continued to support AARBF, this was the first time we have hosted the SoCal Burn Relay since before the pandemic.

On October 28th – 30th, Daniel Chacon was in the bay area with Erika Mendoza for the Peninsula Relay, East Bay Relay, and North Bay Relay. We visited twenty-three fire agencies over the three-day period. Sunnyvale Fire Department, Mountain View Fire Department, Moffet Field/NASA Ames Fire Department, Palo Alto Fire Department, Menlo Park Fire Department, Central County Fire Department, South San Francisco Fire Department, Colma Fire Protection District, Alameda Fire Department, Albany Fire Department, Sonoma County Fire Protection District, Graton Fire Department, Sebastopol Fire Department, Santa Rosa Fire Department, Rohnert Park Fire Department, Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, Petaluma Fire Department, Novato Fire Protection District, San Rafael Fire Department, Ross Valley Fire Department, Kentfield Fire Protection District, Central Marin Fire Department, and Southern Marin Fire Protection District.

On October 12th, Badfish Beer hosted a Beerfest to raise funds for AARBF and Champ Camp. By the end of the evening, they raised enough money to send twelve kids to the 40th Champ Camp in 2025. Thank you to Edward Bird of Badfish for your support.

The SoCal Burn Ride revved up its engines for a good cause on Oct. 26. Motorcyclists gathered at the Lakeside Pavilion of Conejo Creek North Park in Thousand Oaks for a scenic two-hour ride organized to raise funds for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

Opening ceremonies began at 9 a.m., with a Presentation of Colors by the 205th Battalion, California Cadet Corps, Pacoima Middle School, and the singing of the National Anthem by a vocalist with the Seal Beach Symphony. Speakers included Daniel Chacon, executive director of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and burn survivor and volunteer Paul Harris.

Then it was kickstands up at 10 a.m. Riders covered 60 miles in all, traveling past Point Mugu State Park, along the Pacific Coast Highway and through the Santa Monica Mountains. The ride began and ended at Conejo Creek Park, with an afterparty at 12 p.m. that featured a variety of vendors, live music, food by Taco Loco and “Ride N Repeat” photos courtesy of photographer Jeff Thomas of Turn N Burn Magazine. The event also featured raffles for fantastic prizes and a motorcycle simulator presented by Apex Studio 66 out of Santa Clarita.

The SoCal Burn Ride was founded in 2014 by burn survivor Trevor Holtan and U.S. Marine Corps Major David Kuntz as a way to support burn survivors in California through the work of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. Proceeds from the Oct. 26 ride will go toward Champ Camp.

(story courtesy of Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer of vcreporter)