Survivor Services
AARBF supports burn survivors and family members with a variety of supportive services, including in-hospital and post discharge aid; camps, outings and retreats; and scholarships for burn survivors and their families.
Our programs are developed by burn survivors for burn survivors. They are open to burn survivors and families who live in California or have been treated in California hospitals.
They are staffed by professional counselors and fully screened volunteers—many of whom are also burn unit nurses, burn doctors, adult burn survivors and firefighters.
Care Manager, Michael Knopf, talks about AARBF Survivor Services
Miki Mathes “burn victor” and medical doctor
Camps, retreats and outings
Camps include our Champ Camp for burn survivors (aged 5-17) and Family Getaway residential camp offer a safe environment to help children and families navigate the healing journey.
Retreats include our Young Adult Summit, Adult Retreat Weekend and Women’s Empowerment Weekend Retreat. Each retreat offers a safe environment and tailored experience for burn survivors.
Outings offer safe and supportive environment for recreation. Tailored to children, adults or families the trips focus on fun and making connections with other burn survivors.
Yaramitt Heredia a journey to confidence sparked at Champ Camp
Hospital and Post-discharge Aid, Support Groups
In-hospital visits and post discharge aid include peer support and programs for work and school re-entry delivered by experienced counselors.
Virtual and in-person support groups offer emotional support for burn survivors to nurture healing led by experienced facilitators.
Peer-to-peer support comes in many forms (a burn survivors talking to another burn survivor or parent talking to another parent or loved one) and is a powerful tool for healing.
James Bosch Therapy Grant provides financial assistance for therapeutic counseling for burn survivors, family members or caregivers.
Burn Survivor Tip Sheets assembled by a caring team of burn survivors, burn nurses, and other burn professionals.
Scholarships
Woody & Louise Reed “Bridge to Life” Scholarship provides financial assistance for burn survivors to pursue an education beyond high school- albeit university or technical institution.
Aiming Higher Scholarship program provides financial assistance to burn survivors to pursue higher education goals including a Master’s level or PhD education.
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation World Burn Congress Scholarship provides financial assistance to attend the Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress.