Burn Bulletin

AARBF honored National Burn Awareness Week (BAW), February 4th -10th by sharing burn prevention messaging created by our friends at the American Burn Association. BAW 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 “Flammable Liquids.” We shared tips throughout the week to show ways to prevent burn injuries to keep you and your family safe.

On Friday, February 16th, the fire academy students from the Fresno City College (FCC), Class 61 hosted a car wash accepting donations for this year’s Fresno Urban Run fundraiser. By the end of the day, the FCC team had met their fundraising goal of $5,000. Way to go, Team FCC!

This awesome group of cadets has pledged to keep going and has increased their goal to $10,000. We are looking forward to seeing what other events they have planned to help them reach their fundraising goal and gain “Top Team” bragging rights.

We have three teams competing in this year’s fundraiser. You can help FCC reach their new goal or catch up one of the others by visiting: https://p2p.onecause.com/fresnourbanrun2024 and click on Donate Now. Be sure to indicate the team you wish to support near the top of the donation form.

The date of the run day has been changed and is now scheduled a month earlier on Sunday, April 7, 2024. If you are interested in participating in the run, please visit https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/CA/Fresno/FresnoUrbanRun for all of the details.

Over the Presidents’ Day weekend, February 16th -19th, a group of thirty young adults came together at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria for the Young Adult Summit (YAS). This year’s theme was “Survivor,” and we explored the values of connection, leadership, and thriving. We participated in a variety of workshops, including body image, finance, etiquette, public speaking, and more. The good weather allowed us to spend quality time at the beach and observe the elephant seals. We were thrilled to be joined by 10 participants and mentors from our Chicago and Canada exchange programs. We would like to extend a special thank you to our amazing volunteers, including Chief, Buggy, Blondie, Stretch, Dr. Ruth, Tex, Buc, Shakespeare, Knuckles, Bubbles, Hydra, Pookie, Dash, Butterbean, and Kamikaze, for helping make the weekend a success. It was an incredible experience to be able to provide the tools that will continue to support our young adults as they grow and thrive. Thank you to everyone who joined and made it happen.

AARBF hosted two groups over the President’s Day weekend. In addition to our YAS attendees, we also joyfully welcomed thirty adult burn survivors to the Adult Retreat 2024. The team of facilitators and participants provided a secure place for everyone to continue their healing process and personal growth. The retreat allowed old friends to reconnect while also providing the opportunity to make new friends. Thought-provoking sessions involving grief/loss, body image, guided meditations, music, and more were held, with a focus on the famous words of James Bosch – “If you could see what I see” – resonating throughout the entire weekend. We are grateful to everyone who was able to attend the event and be present. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year and at next year’s Adult Retreat.

During the month of February our Survivor Services Care Managers, Martha Banks and Michael Knopf, were busy visiting their local burn units to conduct presentations to hospital staff on the survivor and prevention programs and services available through AARBF. The presentations were conducted during hospital staff meetings which included staff from all shifts. It was a great opportunity to share how AARBF can provide support to their patients as well as answer any questions from staff members. Together, Martha and Michael reached 145 staff members. Thank you for all of the staff members from our partner hospitals taking the time to attend.

Applications are open now through mid-June 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.

For burn survivors pursuing higher academic degrees, Master’s level or Ph.D., use the same application for the Aiming Higher Scholarship to supplement your school cost and pave the way to your bright future.Find the link to apply by visiting our website at: https://www.aarbf.org/project/bridge-to-life-scholarship/

Calling out to all potential CITs for Champ Camp 2024. If you have not already had the chance and would like to become a CIT this year you have until Friday, March 15th to turn in your application and have it completed to the best of your abilities. Further steps will be communicated to those who have completed their application after this date.

Complete your application today at: http://app.campdoc.com/register/aarbf

We kicked off the New Year by sending one survivor and one counselor to attend the THRIVE Retreat in Canada, January 11-15. This annual retreat is hosted by the BC Firefighters Burn Fund and is designed for young adult burn survivors. At this event we quickly integrated with another sixteen survivors from across British Columbia. We were able to participate in multiple workshops and activities and brave some super cold temperatures! It is so exciting to attend exchange programs with other camps and burn foundations—by doing so we have the opportunity to visit their incredible locations and events and exchange ideas to enhance our local camp programs.

During the month of January, we shared weekly goals each Wednesday to help those who resolved to focus on their health and well-being. They are also great tips even if you resolved to not make resolutions in 2024.

Tip #1

Physical well-being: Set a goal to improve mobility, flexibility and strengths. Work towards achievable milestones such as a 10-minute stretch exercise, or walking around the block.

The new year is here! Are you thinking about creating new goals? Here are some ideas for possible goals for 2024.

Physical Wellness: Set a goal to help you improve your mobility, flexibility, and strength. Work toward an attainable goal like 10 minutes of stretching, or walking around your block.

Tip #2

Emotional well-being: Make a goal to seek counseling or support groups to address the emotional and the psychological impact of the burn injury. Learn coping skills that will help you manage any anxiety, depression or PTSD.

Emotional Wellness: Set a goal to seek counseling or support groups where you can discuss the emotional and psychological impact of your burn injuries. Learn new skills that will help you manage any anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Tip #3

Daily living Reintegration: Establish an achievable goal that can help to gradually reintegrate into your daily activities such as work, school, or social events such as calling your school social worker or counselor to ask about school options, calling a long-time friend to arrange a coffee talk over zoom or in-person. It will help you build confidence and independence.

Reintegration into daily life: Make an attainable goal that will help you gradually reintegrate into your daily activities like work, school, or social events like calling your school social worker or counselor to ask about your options, calling a friend for coffee via zoom or in person. This will help you build confidence and independence.

Tip #4

Community Engagement: Set a goal to engage in a support group, peer support, or community events to connect with others who understand your experience and offer mutual support. At AARF, we provide support groups to meet the needs of patients, burn survivors, and their support system. For additional information, location for in-person meetings, or the Zoom login please reach out to:

Martha Banks  mbanks@aarbf.org   818-848-0223 Ext 130

Michael Knopf  mknopf@aarbf.org  415-495-7223 Ext 190

For up-to-date information on upcoming Support Groups and Events visit:  www.aarbf.org

Community Involvement: Make it a goal to participate in support groups, peer support, or community events with people who understand your experience and offer mutual support. At AARBF, we provide support groups to meet the needs of burn patients, survivors, and their support system.

For additional information, in-person group locations, or links to virtual groups, please contact:

Martha Banks  mbanks@aarbf.org   818-848-0223 Ext 130

Michael Knopf  mknopf@aarbf.org  415-495-7223 Ext 190

For up-to-date information on support groups or events visit the website:  www.aarbf.org

Tip #5

Scar and Pain Management: Set a goal to follow a scar and pain management plan. Include regular moisturizing and scar massaging in your daily routine to promote scar healing and minimize discomfort. Work with a health care professional to develop a plan for reducing pain levels through physical therapy or other pain management techniques.

Pain Management and Scar Care: Set a goal to follow a plan to manage your pain and care for your scars. Including moisturizing and massaging your scars in your daily routine will promote healing of your scars and minimize discomfort. Work with a health care professional to develop a plan that can help reduce your pain level through physical therapy or other pain management techniques.