This month, we are excited to share how Natalie Plecque has made a large impact in a short time!
Natalie has only been a part of the AARBF family since 2020. Burned in September of that year during COVID she spent 25 days in the SCVM burn unit. Unable to have any visitors created a very isolating experience for Natalie. Luckily two of her nurses, Lea and Rana, were affiliated with AARBF and provided her a connection with other survivors through AARBF’s virtual support group. “It saved my sanity by showing me I was not alone, and that there was a light on the other side.” With this experience, Natalie was motivated to give back. As soon as she was eligible, she completed the peer support training.
In 2023, Natalie joined the Survivor Services Committee where she used her 20 years of experience teaching children to help the team launch the Under 5 Program. This included the compilation of a book list and the creation of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) Under 5 family outing. “I know first-hand how vital it is for survivors and their families have support, so once MBA was up and running it was logical for me to step up into a bigger role.” That bigger role was first joining the Council of Advisors and then this past January transitioning to the Board of Directors. With Natalie’s new role on the board, she has also taken over as Chair of the Survivor Services Committee! And if this isn’t enough, Natalie represents the foundation at community events, serves on the Bridge to Life Scholarship Committee, and each month she, along with two other board members, sends out personal thank you cards to convey our appreciation to the donors who are a part of the Ruch Family Circle. Thank you, Natalie, for being a part of the AARBF family and to your commitment to support other burn survivors and their families!