Northern CA Regional Message – October 2022
My name is Scott Wertz and I am the Regional Manager for Northern California. Below is my message to you for the month of September 2022.
Hello Survivors, Supporters and Volunteers!
October is here and with it brings Fall; for burn survivors that means relief from the heat but new challenges with cold weather and dry skin, come get support and share solutions at one of our many support groups. Also, we are excited to invite our adult survivors to our upcoming kayaking event (happening in November but sign ups starting now!) As always, AARBF and myself are here to support our community, so please reach out if you need any support.
If you are a burn survivor and family member and wish to be added to our monthly email, please email info@aarbf.org and indicate your region.
Adult Kayaking Trip
November 20, 2022
Join us as we spend the day kayaking across the bay from Sausalito towards the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ll also enjoy lunch and learn about the wildlife at Seaglass Beach. Whether you’re a novice or advanced paddler, you’ll enjoy a great day with our guides from ETC!
Registration is due by November 11, 2022. Register today at: https://forms.gle/b2TFoLyTaHhq7MM38. (Event open to adults)
Art Expression
October 27, 2022
Save the date for the next Expression Session – Art Expression, scheduled for the fourth Thursday in October at 7:00pm via Zoom.
50th Anniversary Celebration and Virtual Auction
October 15, 2022
If you’re unable to join us in-person for our 50th Anniversary Celebration in Southern California, you can still get in on the fun by participating in our virtual auction. The auction opens today, October 1st and will close during the in-person event on October 15th. Those attending in-person will be able to see the items available, but will still use the online platform to bid.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.aarbf.org/50th-anniversary-celebration/.
AARBF’s Dinner & Dance
December 10, 2022
The Dinner & Dance is returning to Clovis! If you plan to be in the area, we invite you to join us in December. Space for this event is limited and we sold out early last year. So, round up your friends and join us! Visit our website at https://www.aarbf.org/dinner-and-dance-2022/ to learn more.
Support Groups
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – October 4, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to register.
East Bay Burn Survivor – October 12, 2022 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to register.
Saint Francis – October 27, 2022 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. urrently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to register.
Caregiver – October 6, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online state-wide support group for family members, care givers and loved ones of burn survivors. This group is closed to burn survivors. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to register.
Spanish Speaking – October 18, 2022 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is an online support group specifically designed for Spanish-speaking burn survivors. To register, please contact Daniel Chacon at dchacon@aarbf.org.
Statewide – October 20, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online support group open to both burn survivors and their loved ones throughout California. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to register.
Peer Support – Not everyone is comfortable in a group setting, which is why the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation offers one-on-one Peer Support. Peer Support is a power tool for healing from a burn trauma. There is something magical that happens when one survivor sits and shares their experience and healing process with another. Peer support can relieve the feeling of being all alone in your experience. Peer support can come in many forms; a burn survivor talking to another burn survivor, a parent talking to another parent or loved one. This service is not limited to burn survivors. A burn injury can affect the entire family, caregivers and other loved ones. Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to get started today.
Back to School Support (available upon request) – Contact me at swertz@aarbf.org to learn more about this program.
Featured Videos
AARBF’s Multimedia Resource Library includes tip sheets, videos, stories, and so much more. Video content within the library has been developed by the AARBF Community; including our staff, volunteers, burn survivors and community partners! Below are our featured videos for July!
AARBF Wellness Team members Jamba and Poppy share ways to help you manage stress and anxiety through breathing.
If you want to try yoga but think your body can’t do the yoga poses, then this video is for you. Our yoga team will show you how to modify the poses to suit your body.