Read Now - Phoenix Society
Transcription
Read Now - Phoenix Society
Phoenix Burn Support M Burn Support Magazine Issue 1 2015 Stop Breathe Believe | 6 Evolution of the Fire Service Initiative | 10 Breaking Free of Addiction-Shame Cycle | 14 Sam Matagi “The NoHanded Bandit” 2 Samoana Matagi, aka “The No-Handed Bandit” By Carla S. Oliver, MSW, CCLS As many of you know, a burn injury means a lifelong journey of healing. It involves physically healing from the burn, which can take weeks, months, even years and require surgeries, therapies, and frequent visits to a hospital or clinic. It also involves psychological and emotional healing. While finding strength and reinvolving yourself in life are critical to moving forward, this comes easier for some than others. Samoana (Sam) Matagi’s journey included change in his appearance and a major change in his ability to function, but he was able to use his experience to find ways to not only to re-involve himself in life but to help others along the way. A New Reality On December 13, 2010, Sam was involved in an electrical accident while working as a power lineman in Kremmling, Colorado. In a split second, nearly 15,000 volts of electricity surged through his body when a scrap of cut wire hit a live wire. The next thing that Sam remembers is waking up on a stretcher. He didn’t open his eyes, but Sam was aware of the noise from the helicopter as he felt excruciating pain in his hands. Sam arrived at the University of Colorado’s burn center on a Monday, and by Friday he was having both of his hands amputated to prevent the spread of infection to the rest of his body. He woke up from the surgery to his new reality. Sam says that initially he slept a lot and while the body does need lots of rest after being injured, Sam says he also used sleep as a way to avoid reality. Soon after, Sam would do whatever he could to put things in the back of his mind. Sam’s biggest supporter was his brother, Fatu, who quickly came to Colorado (missing Christmas with his own family) to be at Sam’s side. Fatu knew all too well what his brother was going through—less than 3 years earlier he had lost one of his hands in his job as a power lineman. Sam also turned to Facebook, where there was an outpouring of support from his friends and family. However, doing so proved to be difficult without his hands. Sam tried everything to use his iPad. He taped a stylus around his residual limb, tried using his mouth, nose, etc. He finally resorted to having his brother be his scribe. Although great support came from social media, the realization that even this wasn’t going to be easy anymore increased Sam’s frustration. It wasn’t until Sam and his brother were on a plane to Utah 3 weeks later that they found humor in the situation. As Fatu fed his brother a burger, the two joked about how everyone was staring at the “one-handed” guy feeding the “no-handed” guy. The brothers laughed. Their sense of humor was and still is one of their greatest coping techniques. Sam was heading to the University of Utah Hospital Burn Center in Salt Lake City to be closer to his family and friends. He spent 2 days in the burn unit and was then transferred to the University of Utah’s Rehabilitation Center. Sam already knew many of the staff because Fatu had been a patient there after his similar injury. In addition to undergoing physical rehabilitation, Sam also learned the value of peer support at the Center. “I remember going there the first time and everything I said would make me cry. I remember telling the group that my mom needs me to help take care of her and then bursting out in tears. Many of the group at the end of the meeting told me they loved me and hugged me. It was a great place to talk about things that I didn’t share with anyone else,” recalls Sam. With time, the importance of hearing from and being supported by those who had “been there” became more and more apparent. Getting Back to Living On January 28, 2011, Sam was discharged from rehab. But like many survivors, returning home brought its own challenges to Sam. He started to truly feel the emotional and psychological impact of his injury. He felt isolated. His anxiety would not allow him to focus on his therapies; he found himself skipping sessions and questioning how he would be able to get back to living. He was scared and recalls feelings of claustrophobia (as though the walls were closing in around him). He again began to use sleep as a way to avoid reality. He felt depressed and began to struggle with the hassle of doing even the basic activities of daily living, such as going to the bathroom, shaving, etc. He developed new fears. Sam did continue group therapy, as well as one-on-one therapy with his psychologist. However, even in group therapy he experienced the feeling of isolation. No one else in the group had lost both of their hands. From his psychologist, Sam learned about post-traumatic stress disorder, which he had thought was something that only soldiers returning from war experienced. Sam says Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 2 | Issue 1 2015 he also had a tendency to see things in a negative way. His therapist was able to help Sam see things from a different perspective, to refute his negative thoughts and look deeper inside himself. Sam also found himself battling the desire to stay sheltered and limit his time out. After a week at home, a friend invited Sam to a Utah Jazz NBA game. He found himself constantly changing his mind about going. He would call to confirm, and then cancel. Sam used his resources at both group and individual therapy to grapple with these feelings. His therapist gently convinced Sam that he was using excuses to avoid going out in public, helping him work through the pros and cons of going to the game. In the end, the pros far outweighed the cons. Sam went to the basketball game where he had a great time, successfully ate a cheeseburger using his prostheses, and even ended up on the Jumbotron. He credits this experience as the moment he really started getting back to living. The Need for Practical Advice From the get-go, Sam’s concern was far less about his altered appearance and much more about his functioning. How will I do this? How do I do that? Through Facebook, Sam contacted Sean McHugh, a onearm amputee who reaches out to help others who have endured amputation. Through Sean, Sam connected with Jason Koger, another burn survivor and doublearm amputee, Finally Sam had found someone in a similar situation who could answer some of his most pressing amputee-related questions, including personal hygiene strategies that could be answered honestly and through personal experience. By phone, Jason helped Sam tremendously. He even invited Sam and his brother to come to his home in Kentucky to learn from him, Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 3 | Issue 1 2015 although Sam has not yet been able to take Jason up on this generous offer. The two men’s paths did cross again when they both tried out for a role on the television series Hawaii 5-0. They were both vying to serve as the “hand double” for the actor who was playing “a bad guy with no hands.” While Sam was disappointed not to get the part, he seems genuinely happy that Jason did. Sam continued occupational therapy (OT) at University of Utah’s Rehab Center as an outpatient, but was hoping to find information online that would help him learn how to use his new prosthetic hands. His search yielded only a single video for sale. Then one day during an OT visit, Sam shared with his therapist, whom he had developed a deep respect for, his idea to create his own videos. With the support of his therapist, who was very dedicated to Sam’s recovery, the “No-Handed Bandit” was born. Since then, Sam has developed a series of YouTube videos to assist others with amputations by showing them simple step-by-step ways of completing everyday (and some not-so-everyday) tasks, from putting on prosthetics, to playing basketball, to shaving, to climbing a coconut tree, and many more. Sam believes the video project has been another important step in his recovery process. He so clearly remembers feeling helpless and hopeless. Now he takes great pride in being able to help others who might be in the same position to put an end to their feelings of hopelessness. He continues to receive lots of feedback from people all over the world who are learning from him, evidenced by the comments that he receives from his fans on his YouTube account. Besides helping other amputees, Sam has received questions and comments from OT students who are using his videos to further their education and practice. Sam definitely plans to continue creating videos, with inspiration for new material coming from people asking him, via the comment section of his YouTube channel, to demonstrate different tasks. Sam’s Words of Advice What advice do you have for someone who is just beginning his or her journey through changed appearance/ functioning? • It is vital to get back to doing the things that they loved to do before the accident. These things can be the same after the accident; they will just need to find new ways of doing them. (For Sam, this means basketball and snowboarding. He plays basketball every week, except in snowboarding season.) • Find new recreational activities. (Sam tried white water rafting with the support group to make friends, and build self-esteem and confidence. He also went on an amputee cruise, which he really enjoyed.) • Find resources online, and network with people who are further along in their recovery. What would you suggest to parents, siblings, and other people who are supporting/caring for someone who has an amputation/changed appearance/functioning? • Listen to the survivor. • Don’t endlessly offer encouragement or be overly positive. • Don’t always offer advice. • Keep in mind that the amputee is going to go through phases (ups and downs, sad, mad, self-pity). • LOVE the person. Do you have advice for health care professionals? • Take the time to get to know the patient. The greatest therapists/nurses/doctors are the ones who do this. Those who come in and are just focused on checking things off the items on their punch list do not have the same results. Adjust and accommodate scheduling and methods where possible to individualize treatment. • Collaborate with the patient on goal setting. If the goals are adapted to fit the patient’s needs, they will be more motivated. • As much as possible, allow the patient to develop his or her own way of doing things. This gives back a sense of mastery and control, which is so often lost during recovery. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 4 | Issue 1 2015 An Open Book When asked about the process of accepting his injury, Sam claims that his different appearance and the accident itself never really bothered him. He explains laughingly that despite all that he learned in social skills training, he gives everyone who asks the “long story.” He refers to himself as an “open book” when it comes to talking about it with anyone and everyone. In addressing how he handles rudeness and staring, Sam shared a story of a kid who was helping him move furniture. The boy looked at him, and said “That is just wrong.” Once again, Sam’s sense of humor surfaced and he replied, “Well, I guess you’re gonna have to get over it, huh?” He also admits that sometimes he makes stories about his injury, such as “I was on a roller coaster and put my hands up.” Today, Sam and his brother Fatu are working toward competing as snowboarders in the 2018 Paralympics. While Sam claims his younger brother is better at the sport, he laughs and shares the fact they aren’t too worried about both making the team as they plan to compete for American Samoa. Humor is his way of both coping and in connecting with others. A Chance to Give Back In April 2011 Sam became a Phoenix SOAR peer supporter. Sam knew that he had benefitted from listening to and learning from other people’s experiences in group therapy, especially hearing how they had found resolution to their issues. Now he wanted to contribute, to give back. As a Phoenix SOAR volunteer, he has the opportunity to share his experiences in hopes they will benefit others. Sam says that he has thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with Phoenix SOAR. Initially he was making weekly visits to the hospital but now is mostly called specifically to meet people who have endured an upper extremity amputation. Often he and his brother will go together to meet with new survivors. He says that they go with only one goal, and that is to help the person smile or laugh. By his own admission, being a supporter has built Sam’s own self-esteem. Connecting with someone who is at the beginning of his or her own journey reminds Sam of just how far he has come. According to Sam, the further out he gets from his initial injury the more he forgets where he once was. Just as Sam has benefitted greatly from social media connections, he has enjoyed being able to connect face-to-face with people in similar circumstances. Since becoming more involved in the amputee community, he has also been able to facilitate connections between others who share common challenges. Finding Value and Meaning at Phoenix WBC In 2012 Sam attended Phoenix World Burn Congress for the first time. “Just talking about it gives me goose bumps,” Sam says, describing how amazing it was to be in such a large group of people who had survived traumatic injuries. There he found a great deal of value and meaning. “The love emanating from the room was really healing— almost like a medicine,” he says recalling the genuine concern expressed by everyone and the abundant hugs. People’s interest in his story amazed Sam. He was also very impressed with how open people were. There he built many new relationships and made many new friends. Sam described the whole experience in Milwaukee as exciting and validating. Just being there made his self-esteem and confidence grow. He felt that being at Phoenix WBC and serving as a panelist with other amputees helped in his own recovery and gave him a sense of accomplishment. Exploring Options for Adapting and Adjusting Surviving a burn or any traumatic injury is devastating to both the survivor and also his or her loved ones. These injuries can change a person’s appearance and impair physical functioning as he or she once knew it. Going through an amputation, whether it is a finger, hand, arm, toe, foot, or leg or any other body part, is a further loss that changes appearance and physical capabilities as well. The good news is that with modern technology and design, options for adapting and adjusting in order to get back to living exist. As daunting as the task of relearning what you once took for granted can be, the wonderful thing is that you can regain your abilities, just in new and different ways. Carla S. Oliver, MSW, CCLS, is the manager of the therapeutic recreation/child life department at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She has practiced in the field of child life for more than 20 years, with the majority of her career dedicated to working with pediatric burn survivors and their families. Carla is a member of the mental health team for Phoenix World Burn Congress, where she has co-presented the parent workshop. Carla is also president of the Child Life Council (2014-2015). Resources Phoenix Society Peer Support Chat: Moderated live weekly peer support chat. Available at: www.phoenix-society.org/chat. Phoenix Society Online Discussion Forum: Moderated discussion board with topics such as Getting Back to Living. Available at: www.phoenix-society.org/forum. The No-Handed Bandit YouTube Channel: Videos for amputees and their families. Available at: www.youtube.com/user/samoanamatagi. Arms Within Reach Foundation: Funding comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation for upper extremity amputees. Available at: http://www.armswithinreach.org/. Amputee Coalition: Reaches out to and empowers people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support, and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention. Available at: www.amputee-coalition.org/. The Open Prosthetics Project: An initiative of the Shared Design Alliance. Available at: http://openprosthetics.org/. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 5 | Issue 1 2015 Stop Breathe Believe Mindful Living One Thought at a Time By Dianne Morris, LMHC, CDWF-C At some point in our lives most of us will experience guilt, trauma, problems of self-acceptance, or feeling out of control, but for burn survivors these difficult emotions can present a daily struggle. Recovery is a whole-person process that encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional, and at times the challenges may feel insurmountable. It’s in times like these that we need a simple, reliable tool that can shine a clear light through the storm. Stop Breathe Believe® is a mindfulness-based practice that was developed to help us navigate such difficult moments. Mindfulness-based practices are built from the premise that our thoughts directly affect our perceptions and experiences, which is why such techniques as meditation, deep breathing, and using a mantra can be so effective in decreasing stress, relieving pain, enhancing sleep, and reducing hospital stays. Stop Breathe Believe works by enabling us to become aware of and stop any self-defeating thoughts that are preventing us from living life fully, breathe our way to a state of calm openness, and then proactively choose to believe in a compassionate self-talk statement that addresses our unique situation. There are so many things in life we can’t control—burn survivors know this truth acutely, and they know it on a daily basis. When the physical pain is most intense, even things that seemed so easy before, such as reading, enjoying a movie, or sleeping, can be a struggle. The emotional pain is no less real, as survivors mourn the loss of their old way of life and become accustomed to a “new normal.” The recovery process can be a long one, and sometimes survivors wonder if they’ll ever feel whole again. But we can control the way we respond to even the most trying situations, and that begins with becoming aware of the thinking that’s precipitating our actions. The practice of Stop Breathe Believe is a tool that can help you get through those moments when it feels like your world has been turned upside down. The Stop Breathe Believe Basics Stop: At a moment when you find yourself struggling, stop what you’re doing and become aware of what you’re thinking. You may even want to address yourself aloud in order to cease the stream of thoughts that’s constantly going through your mind: “Stop, Brenda.” “Stop, Stephen.” Speak to yourself with kindness but firmness. Now, notice what’s going on in your mind. Whatever thought you find, simply become aware of it, noting it without judgment. In keeping with the stoplight metaphor, in therapy sessions we often talk about “red thoughts” and “green thoughts.” A frequent red thought I hear is some variation on “I’ll never get through this.” Let’s work with this red thought as we move on to Breathe. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 6 | Issue 1 2015 Breathe: As you are able, change your physical position. If your legs are crossed, uncross them and put your feet flat on the floor. Sit up straight so you are able to make use of your lungs’ maximum capacity. Now, breathe in slowly through the nose and count as you breathe in, and at the top of the breath exhale through the mouth and count as you breathe out. The numbers themselves don’t matter—they’re a way to bring awareness to your breath and to get you breathing slowly and deeply from the diaphragm. You should feel your belly expand with each inhalation. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system to relax the body— your heart rate slows, your respiratory rate slows, your muscles loosen, and pain can recede. During Breathe, even if it’s for just a moment, you’re redirecting your attention away from the red thought you noticed during Stop. You can rest in the Breathe portion of Stop Breathe Believe as long as you like. Believe: When you feel ready, start to create a belief statement that truthfully addresses the red thought you observed during Stop. Keep your belief statement short and simple. Let’s recall our red thought: “I’ll never get through this.” An effective belief statement in this case could be: “I’m learning a new process that will help” or “I am an active participant in my own recovery.” One way to address any “never” red thought is by utilizing the same belief statement: “My now is always new.” You can use your belief statement as an anchor in the midst of a painful or difficult moment, or as a mantra to which you return throughout the day. You can also choose to tie your belief statement to your breathing, integrating it into your new, healthy mode of thinking with every breath. For example, inhale My injuries do not define me; exhale I’m learning a new process that will help. Stop Breathe Believe works because it’s easy to learn, adaptable to any situation, and relies on our brains’ amazing neuroplasticity. Exciting developments in the field of neuroscience have demonstrated that behavior can form new neural pathways in the brain. What’s more, these changes can occur at any point in life. This is great news for anyone who’s dealing with trauma of any sort, and for anyone who feels stuck where they are. Can we make it? Can things ever get better? The answer is yes. One thought at a time, one neural pathway at a time, we can work through any obstacle, step by step making our way to healing. It doesn’t happen quickly, but even amid great struggle and trauma, with a regular practice of Stop Breathe Believe we can cultivate the power to say no to unhealthy, self-defeating thoughts. We can create belief statements that are healthy, empowering, and support the process of full recovery. The Role of Self-Compassion One facet you may notice while practicing Stop Breathe Believe is how harshly we often talk with ourselves. Any “red” thought with the word never in it provides a classic example: I’ll never get through this. I’ll never achieve that goal. I’ll never be the person I want to be. So in designing a healthy and compassionate “green” or belief statement, consider how you might respond to a good friend. Would you tell a beloved friend that she can never succeed? That he’ll never recover from an injury or a setback or a heartbreak? Of course not. We need to extend the same level of love and compassion to ourselves that we would to a dear friend. Self-compassion is the ability to speak to ourselves in a kind and supportive way. Sadly, acts of basic self-care and self-comfort are challenging for many of us, as they can easily be mistranslated to “selfish” or “self-indulgent.” However, just as we would tend to a bodily injury, the same care is necessary for our emotional wounds. Left uncared for, our wounds, physical or emotional, cannot heal, and our suffering increases. The practice of Stop Breathe Believe encourages tender, firm, and caring responses to the negative, hurtful, and often unhealthy thoughts with which we are all too familiar. A touch of tenderness, a capsule of compassion, a moment of loving ourselves in a new way—these are all balms of healing for the inner chatter of our minds. When we can stop and become aware of what is happening in our minds, there is incredible opportunity for healthy change in our thinking—and thus in our reactions, our struggles, our healing, our relationships, and in our overall lives. May you let go of self-judgment as an invaluable act of self-kindness. May you begin to believe that you are worthy of caring for yourself as you would care for others. May you embrace acts of self-care as necessary to move past stuck places and live into full recovery. May you know in a new way the power of your thoughts, and may you never forget that you have the ability to choose what you say to yourself and create brand new neural pathways. Even today, even now, just for a moment, stop what you’re doing, breathe deeply, and try out one of these belief statements: I am beginning to see myself as whole. I am learning to accept myself. I am worth the struggle to recover fully. I’m learning to love myself in a new way. Join me on the journey of mindfulness and living fully into your unique you. Stop. Breathe. Believe. Dianne Morris Jones, LMHC, CDWF-C, is an individual and couple therapist and Certified Daring Way facilitator and consultant who practices in Des Moines, Iowa. She also is a speaker and author of Stop Breathe Believe: Mindful Living One Thought at a Time and I’m Fine, a real feelings journal. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 7 | Issue 1 2015 It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint by Victor C. Joe, MD, FACS Melissa Carmean, DPT, CWS The marathon is a common metaphor for many of life’s challenges. It provides a memorable mental picture of effort, perseverance, and endurance. That metaphor certainly fits the journey of burn survivorship. The Starting Line The burn survivor’s “race” begins at the time of injury. Not only may there be fear of the unknown, but also concern that you may not have what it takes to make it to the finish. An Unfamiliar Course Like the runner hitting the 10-mile marker, the transition from acute hospitalization to outpatient care is a major milestone in burn recovery. It brings with it a new sense of the unknown and the realization that, in many ways, the race is still in its early stages. Burn survivors at this point are often concerned with their wounds and are curious about what they can expect in over time. “What can I wear?” “What can I do?” “Will it always look like this?” “Will it ever look normal?” These are just a few of the questions that those of us who work in burn care often hear. Here are our responses: A newly healed burn wound, whether skin grafted or healed on its own, is still fragile during the first 2-4 weeks. Skin in nongrafted wounds has healed by growing a new superficial layer, a process called re-epithelialization. Skin grafts may be described as “healed” or with “excellent take” to indicate successful acceptance of the autotransplanted skin. In both cases, the new attachments are trying to mature. The bonds are strengthening. Until then, they are prone to re-blistering or avulsion (tearing) due to excess friction. During this very early stage it is important to prevent shearing by wearing loose-fitting, soft clothing, or by limiting types of activity. Exact recommendations will differ depending on the body part involved, so you should discuss the details with your occupational and physical therapists and surgeons. Much of the concern regarding newly healed skin and/ or grafts is related to the color (redness) and contour (thickness) that often occurs. It takes 9 months to 1 year for the majority of the maturation process to occur and to see some semblance of a “final” result. Even then the appearance may continue to change over the years. The softening of the skin and the pigment changes take time as the layers of healing occur. There are different reasons why the colors change. During the healing process, the body develops increased blood supply (capillaries) to the burn wound, which brings the necessary components to achieve healing. It is this increased blood flow that is partially responsible for the pink, red, or even purple color that develops. This also explains why the colors seem to intensify when body temperature increases. Over time, the body slowly resorbs all of those capillaries that were developed in response to the injury and were required for wound healing. They recede over time, and as they do so the intensity of the redness should subside. Another factor that affects the ultimate coloration of the wound is the re-pigmentation process described by Dr. David Greenhalgh in Sun Protection After Burns: Time for a Practical Approach (Issue 2, 2014). It is also important to note that everyone heals differently; genetic determinants predispose some to have hyperpigmentation (darker areas) or hypopigmentation (lighter areas) and even to develop scars to differing degrees. The extent of injury and preexisting health issues may also factor into the ultimate appearance of the healed skin. Burn scars consist mostly of collagen, strands of protein that make up the scaffolding or structure that we see as scar tissue. Scars continue to remodel—most actively in the first year. Three to 6 months into healing a scar may be thick, over the next 6-9 months thin out, and at 1 year reach a state of equilibrium in which the collagen lines up in a more orderly manner along lines of skin tension. A Winning Strategy Massage, moisturizers, silicone sheeting, and pressure garments are all relatively simple therapies that are employed with varying success. They must be used consistently—daily, weekly, and monthly. Medical and surgical interventions include steroid injections, scar releases, and re-grafting. An exciting modality gaining greater attention in the past few years is the use of lasers for resurfacing scars, as discussed by Dr. Pirko Maguina in Lasers & Burn Scars, An Exciting New Era in Burn Reconstruction (Issue 3, 2014). Unfortunately, some scars continue to thicken. They contract, seeming to work against all effort to soften and stretch them. When this process occurs near or even over joints, contractures that decrease range of motion, Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 8 | Issue 1 2015 and in certain circumstances function, may develop. Like hills on a race course, these are obstacles that must be attacked and overcome. It can be discouraging, especially when you are doing “everything I was asked to do.” It is important in these situations not to give up. Keep plodding along, placing one foot in front of the other. Ask your occupational and physical therapists about additional stretches and exercises you can do. Sit down with your surgeon to consider more aggressive modes of treatment. A Team Effort Burn survivorship is indeed a marathon, and not a sprint. It must be taken 1 mile marker at a time. Sometimes you may feel like you have all the energy in the world to make it through; other times, when you “hit the wall,” you may feel so tired you think you won’t reach the finish line. Wherever you are on the course and however you feel, keep in mind that we are here lining the route, cheering you on, and handing you cups of water. We are here to support you—with information, treatment options, and encouragement. Victor Joe, MD, is director of the UC Irvine Health Regional Burn Center. He specializes in general/trauma surgery, surgical critical care, and the management of major burns and complex wounds in adults and children. Dr. Joe is particularly interested in acute burn resuscitation and acute burn wound treatment, including the use of skin substitutes and techniques that accelerate wound healing and potentially avoid skin grafting. 27th ANNUAL PHOENIX WORLD BURN CONGRESS Donations Sought for 2015 Silent Auction The Phoenix World Burn Congress will feature a silent auction again and we need your help! Because of limited space at our venue, the 2015 auction will be reduced in size. So we have developed a “wish list” of always popular donations that we would like to focus on this year: vacation rentals, restaurant and hotel packages, original artwork, gift baskets, jewelry, sports or music memorabilia, creative children’s items, or electronic devices. If you would like to donate one of these items or if you have something else that you would like us to include, please contact us at 800.888.2876 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Note: We must have advance notice of your donation for it to be included. Each year the silent auction raises more than $12,000 that helps make Phoenix WBC possible. With your support, we can make that happen again in 2015. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 9 | Issue 1 2015 Program Development: Evolution of the Fire Service Initiative By Karen Badger, PhD, MSW, and Phil Tammaro FF-EMT Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 10 | Issue 1 2015 Phoenix Society’s mission to provide support to the burn community includes not only providing support for aspects of healing that all share, but also meeting the needs of various burn survivor groups. One such group with unique needs consists of workers who have sustained on-the-job burn injuries. Although returning to work is a milestone faced by all burn survivors resuming careers and jobs following their injuries, those returning to a work environment or a job that is high risk for burns brings additional considerations. Firefighters injured in the line of duty are such an example and efforts to address their needs has enhanced support options and provided a model for other program development. In this initiative, the Phoenix Society worked collaboratively with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Charitable Foundation, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), and the University of Kentucky. In 2010, the IAFF Charitable FoundationBurn Fund was awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to fund 2010 and 2011 activities, to which the NFFF also financially contributed. In 2010, burn-injured firefighters and their families participated in needs assessment focus groups and surveys to share experiences with burn-related peer support, perceptions of the benefits of peer support on recovery, and ideas for effective ways to provide peer support to the fire service. Results indicated the desire to have peer support for burn-injured firefighters and family members and helped identify their specific needs. In 2011, Phoenix Society and its partners worked together to modify the Phoenix SOAR peer support program. Training revisions included fire service–specific information to assist burn-injured firefighter peer supporters to communicate and support other firefighters and their families. Targeted recruitment of burn-injured firefighters and families increased the number of trained firefighter and spouse peer supporters. In 2011, Phoenix World Burn Congress included programming specific to the fire service, which was then expanded. The Congresses now include support groups for burn-injured firefighters and their families, discussion groups for all firefighters, and an open forum that explores line-of-duty burn injuries. All programming continues to evolve in response to evaluation feedback. The IAFF Charitable Foundation – Burn Fund obtained a second Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention & Safety Grant in 2012 to add more burn-injured firefighters and family members as Phoenix SOAR peer supporters. Materials explaining the Phoenix SOAR program and its access were created and several short videos of firefighters and their families speaking about peer support were produced (http://www.phoenix-society. org/resources/video-library#library_video_7056). The development of plans and strategies to market these resources was initiated in 2011 and then gained speed. The “resource awareness” campaign was launched in 2013 with a National Educational Summit, where the Phoenix SOAR program was introduced to IAFF District Burn Coordinators, representatives of other foundations, SOAR-trained healthcare professionals, and burn survivor and family member representatives. An introductory firefighter educational video about the resource was created in 2014 and is now available on-line. Phoenix Society has continued to work with its partners to promote knowledge of and access to the Phoenix SOAR program. In 2014, the Phoenix Society was awarded a Fire Prevention & Safety Grant under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to fund an outreach and education effort. Planned activities include development and implementation of a national campaign for the fire service and burn care communities to promote the services, sharing educational materials and expanding access to Phoenix SOAR for firefighters and their families. The grant also supports the recruitment and training of 25 burn-injured firefighters and family members in advocacy methods. Phoenix Society is involved in other firefighter support initiatives in partnership with Motorola and Kidde. With continued collaboration and commitment, the Phoenix Society is focused on providing the fire service and survivors returning to work improved resources and support services. Karen Badger, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Provost and Associate Dean in Undergraduate Education and Associate Professor of Social Work at University of Kentucky. Phil Tammaro, FF-EMT is a Professional Firefighter in Billerica, Massachusetts, and 3rd District Burn Coordinator for the IAFF Charitable Foundation Burn Fund. Funding provided through DHS/FEMA’s Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 11 | Issue 1 2015 CHAMPION THE NEEDS OF BURN SURVIVORS WITH YOUR MEMBER CONTRIBUTION by Megan Geerling Development Director Each day our work is inspired by those we serve. Those whose healing journey is now a hopeful one because they find connection to other burn survivors, guidance, and practical resources to overcome daily challenges through our community. A community powered by members who champion the needs of burn survivors so no one recovers alone. Thousands of recoveries and the stories behind them have been made possible by visionary individuals and organizations that have given to further our mission and supported our work throughout our history. We call them Contributing Members. I’m inspired by the recent words of one such member—a young survivor, injured in a bonfire accident just after his freshman year of college. When asked what inspired him to contribute to Phoenix Society, he replied: My burn experience is not one I regret, rather one that I embrace as a part of life. It has taught me that life is not to be taken for granted; rather we must make sure that we are always present in the moment. Tomorrow is never guaranteed; therefore, today is the day we must make a difference. Today is the day you can make a difference by making your 2015 membership gift. Become a Contributing Member or renew your member support today, and your tax-deductible donation will help fund expanding Phoenix SOAR peer support program to new locations . . . weekly on-line peer support chats . . . new educational videos and an online advocacy training . . . printing and distribution of 36,000 copies of Burn Support Magazine each year . . . and so much more. Put healing into action today with your 2015 membership gift! • By Mail – Use the convenient envelope provided in this issue. • Online – Go to www.phoenix-society.org/give2014/ • By Phone – Call Megan Geerling at 800-888-2876. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 12 | Issue 1 2015 Realizing a Dream While Supporting a Cause Tabitha and Chad are like so many in our community—a couple in love and supportive of each other’s dreams, wonderful parents of 2 children, and one of them is a burn survivor. In 1999 Chad was injured plane crash, returning to his job as a commercial pilot just a year and a half later. He and Tabitha, who is a flight attendant for the same airline, were married in 2010. . .and that is where their story begins. Tabitha recently shared with us a little about how their story continues: We look forward to attending Phoenix WBC each year—it reminds me just how lucky I am to have been able to find my soulmate who, at one point in his life, had a 20% chance of survival. Since learning about The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, I knew that I wanted to run my marathon as part of Team Phoenix and raise money to support the organization that has done so much for my husband over the years. This year has personally brought me a lot of challenges and I have wanted to give up so many times on this marathon goal. I started training and in July of 2014 I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a large tumor that consumed 40% of my liver. In August major surgery to remove the tumor left me unable to care for my own children, or needless to say, continue training. Chad has talked me through my personal battles, reminding me that he didn’t give up his fight and neither should I. He is my rock, my motivation. I was also filled with emotion to see how many people believed in me as I watched the number of donations being made to the Phoenix Society on behalf of my family. We raised $1,100! On January 17 of this year, Tabitha’s family cheered her on as she realized her dream and crossed the finish line to the 5th Annual Charleston Marathon. Her message to others: Never. Give. Up. Believe in your dreams and believe in yourself. With the right frame of mind, you can be unstoppable. Stay Active, Stay Supportive with Team Phoenix Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to join Team Phoenix, a community of everyday athletes who are challenging themselves in walks and runs while raising awareness and funds in support of the burn community. Funds raised are used to advance recovery resources, and provide education, trainings, and a national peer support network that makes a positive return to life possible. Join today at www.phoenix-society.org/teamphoenix or contact us at [email protected] for more information. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 13 | Issue 1 2015 Breaking Free of the Addiction-Shame Cycle Although addiction is prevalent throughout the burn community, the issue is seldom openly addressed. However, the 2014 Phoenix World Burn Congress included a session on Addiction and Shame, as well as daily 12-step meetings provided by local Alcoholic Anonymous chapters. In the following article, Megan Bronson and James Bosch, facilitators of the Phoenix WBC session, explain how addiction feeds shame and shame feeds addiction—both of which can act as a suppressor of spirit and a hindrance to trauma recovery. The Dynamics of Shame and Addiction By Megan Bronson, PMHCNS-BC The Problem Addiction and shame are essential issues that need to be addressed by many burn survivors in the process of healing and recovery. Addiction is a common complication of healing from trauma as the addictive process drains energy and resources from the recovery process and from life. The cycle of shame and addiction feed into and off each other in an often desperate attempt to escape the uncomfortable and painful feelings of unresolved loss, grief, and trauma that become trapped in the mind, body, heart, and soul when unprocessed and unreleased. Feelings of grief and trauma include anger, rage, fear, anxiety, sadness, a sense of isolation, guilt, shame, a sense of aloneness, hopelessness, helplessness, and a loss of self. Compulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse, food addiction, exercise addiction, compulsive gambling, work addiction, relationship, love and sexual addiction, codependent behavior, or being trapped in perfectionism, can become attempts to relieve and control unresolved emotional pain and traumatic feelings. The emotional, physical, and cognitive energy that becomes trapped when unprocessed and unresolved can continue to be triggered and lead to the compulsive and shameful behaviors that we call addiction. Understanding Shame In the process of recovery from addictive behavior, it is helpful to understand the difference between guilt and shame. Feelings of guilt are a message from our moral conscience that we are doing or have done something that violates the code of our inner moral compass. Shame, on the other hand, sends the destructive message aimed at our “core self” that we ourselves are basically bad, unworthy, and forever flawed. Guilt says a behavior is not okay while shame says that we innately are not okay. Shame is defined as a painful feeling of humiliation and disgrace leading to a loss of respect and esteem for oneself. Shame drives the core self into hiding and hiding feeds into compulsive behaviors to escape the pain of that shame and sense of unworthiness. Shame is not just related to the helplessness and hopelessness generated by trauma but also begins forming in childhood when children are criticized in a way that attacks, shames, and demeans the core self. This degrading sort of input is especially damaging when the sense of self is developing during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Such statements as You are a loser, (or stupid or fat), You will never amount to anything, You’re not as smart as your brother, You can’t do anything right are all shaming statements. Sometimes the tone of voice or nonverbal behavior that conveys disdain and contempt can be shaming all by themselves. It is helpful for children to receive both positive and negative feedback that is behaviorally specific; however, it is destructive to use criticism in a way that demoralizes and attacks the self of the child. Burn survivors may face an additional challenge with posttraumatic shame when the public’s reactions to differences, such as scars, facial difference, loss of limbs, lead to a loss of anonymity and the possibility of unwanted negative responses. Public humiliation, such as staring, teasing, name-calling, intrusive questions, Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 14 | Issue 1 2015 and bullying, can further traumatize the burn-injured person. These shaming behaviors increase the likelihood of posttraumatic stress symptoms developing. Shaming attacks and demeans the core self. The most powerful antidotes to shame are emotional honesty and authenticity as a human being. Understanding Addiction It is helpful to look at addiction as a survival response. This is a hard concept to embrace and it is not proposed here to condone substance abuse or addictive behavior. However, if we recognize that we may have begun to use substances or other compulsive behaviors to manage emotional and physical pain in the first place, it can help normalize the shame we feel when our lives have become out of control and centered around our drugs of choice. My co-facilitator and coauthor James Bosch suggests we ask, What is the monster—the substance or the underlying issues that drive us to numb out and check out? Often we do not see other alternatives or have not been offered the tools to manage the devastating experience of trauma. Alcohol and drugs are everywhere and they provide a quick temporary relief or escape from our experience. This relief often then becomes dependence and we find ourselves unable to cope or connect with others without substances or other compulsive behavior. But starting to bring the underlying issues to the light and consciously engage with them is scary. Understanding this is a first step toward reducing shame and toward recovery. Deactivating Trauma, Activating Relaxation When human beings face a threat to life the brain automatically goes into the much written about Fight, Flight, Freeze or Surrender response. This response of the brain to a life-threatening situation is built into our mammalian brain to protect us and to get us away from or neutralize the danger and threat. Helping the brain to move out of code red status after traumatic injury and traumatic loss is essential to healing after trauma. Many activities and methods are conducive to calming the traumatized brain and body and can help to deactivate the trauma response in the brain, as well as activate the brain’s relaxation response: •Therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that address the trauma response directly and are aimed at gradual exposure and desensitization, address negative and stuck thoughts related to the trauma, and help develop new ways of thinking about what happened and what can be • Yoga, tai chi • Mindfulness practices • Music • Calming breath work • Meditation and prayer • Support groups for burn survivors •Twelve-step programs that assist with controlling and stopping addiction and/or compulsive behaviors and provide a space to be authentic and emotionally honest •Learning social skills, such as boundary setting and responding to unwanted public attention Finding Your Way Home One of the essential steps in recovery is being able to tell one’s story and to mourn what has been lost. This requires a place of emotional safety and is best accomplished in the presence of people who express understanding and compassion. Overcoming the cycle of shame and addiction can be a challenge for burn trauma survivors but is not insurmountable. Finding safe people and places, such as the Phoenix World Burn Congress, that nurture and support your expression of emotions and authentic self can be very helpful in the service of recovery and healing. Learning to trust and rely on support will go a long way toward strengthening your sense of who you truly are and who you want to be on your journey of recovery and healing. Breaking Addiction’s Grip By James Bosch, MA, MFTi Shining Light on the Reasons We Use One way to heal from the shame of addiction is to see that the substance use or compulsive behaviors originally served a purpose in medicating pain from our past or recent traumas. Substance use can also begin as a way to self-medicate a biological mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. The fact is that alcohol and drugs do just what we want them to—they either numb out a painful feeling or help us reach a feeling that we are not able to reach on our own. For example, if we experience grief we can take something to have momentary relief from the sadness; however, when we sober up it is still there and often stronger. Substances can also be used to deal with social anxiety or fear of intimacy. These substances can sometimes Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 15 | Issue 1 2015 block our fears and inhibitions. The problem is that their use often gets us in trouble. We can do things we regret in the morning. When we start relying on substances and compulsive behaviors to help us get through all life experiences and then build a tolerance and dependence on them, it turns into addiction. By seeing our substance use as a coping mechanism, albeit an unhealthy one, we can start to release from the shame and begin learning other ways to cope. First we must remove the substances and stop the addictive behaviors or at least change our relationship to them. Then we can tackle the underlying “demons” or issues that drive us to self-medicate. This begins the process of healing. Finding a Middle Path A Native American fable describes two wolves that battle inside each of us. While there are several version of this legend, here is one (author unknown): An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego. The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old chief simply replied, “The one you feed.” This is a powerful lesson to help us see that where we place our energy determines the part of us that will win or the parts of us that will be developed. In recovery from addiction this can be as simple as avoiding people, places, and things that trigger us to use or act on compulsive behavior. If we feed the part of ourselves that wants to move toward health in mind, body, and spirit with people and activities that are healthy and helpful, then we will have a better chance at staying sober and beating our addictions. While the chief’s advice in the story may lead us to make better decisions, the fable also has the danger of perpetuating shame. It would be easy to tell yourself, “I am relapsing or doing destructive behavior because I am bad or feeding the wrong wolf.” Perhaps a middle path we can take is to make friends with both wolves, both sides of ourselves—the side that wants to use substances or act on compulsive behaviors to deal with life and the side that wants to live addictionfree and free of all the wreckage addiction can cause to ourselves and our loved ones. When one lives in this middle path with both wolves attended to, there is a commitment to finding new ways to deal with our pain while keeping in mind our triggers, our past experiences, and the understanding that we have used substances and compulsive behaviors to cope and the deeply entrenched ways of coping do not just go away when the substance abuse or behavior is stopped. We can keep an eye on both our sober mind and our deeply entrenched survival resources that no longer serve us living in the “addictive mind.” You can also look at this as changing the diet of both your internal wolves. This is an act of self-compassion. The Role of Self-Compassion Being kind to ourselves is essential to breaking the cycle of shame. Most people reading this would probably say they are their own worst critics and often beat themselves up when they slip or do not reach a goal. If we turn the same loving kindness and compassion toward ourselves that we would give a child or an animal we love, we can begin to move away from shame and toward forgiveness. A term that is often used in recovery circles is “being right-sized,” basically meaning that you respond to life rather than react to it. This is a moving away from the fight, flight, or freeze responses to our environment or our thoughts and responding in ways that support us and help us grow and relate with others. Dr. Christopher Germer shares a helpful tool called the Self-Compassion Break. When you are in shame or beating yourself up, stop, take a breath, and say to yourself the following: 1. This is a moment of suffering (or your own variation, for example, This hurts, Ouch, This is tough). 2. This suffering is a part of living (Others feel this way, I am not alone). 3. May I be kind to myself (May I accept myself, May I learn to accept myself as I am, May I forgive myself, May I be strong, I am vulnerable and that’s okay…). The language used is not as important as stopping and being kind to yourself in the moment your thoughts are trying to demoralize you or keep you in painful state of living. Finding a Door Into Recovery As Megan mentioned previously, there are many ways to approach healing from shame and addiction. The important thing is to find one that speaks to you. For some people, it is a 12-step program, which is a powerful self-help model that has proven to be successful for many worldwide; however, it is not the only way to address addiction issues. There are also secular recovery programs, such as Life Ring or SMART Recovery. Another method called harm reduction espouses cutting down or changing the use of Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 16 | Issue 1 2015 substances or compulsive behaviors so they are not as damaging, rather than quitting “cold turkey.” It does not matter how you get there, just that you try different doors until you find a way to break the addiction’s grip on your life. The important thing is to approach your exploration into your relationship with substances and compulsive behaviors with a curious mind, like a scientist trying experiments until he or she gets the desired results. Check out the list of resources at the end of this article. Keep in mind that slips and setbacks can sometimes be part of the process. This is when self-compassion is most needed. Wishing you strength on your journeys! Cocaine Anonymous: www.ca.org Crystal Meth Anonymous: www.crystalmeth.org Heroin Anonymous: www.heroin-anonymous.org LifeRing Secular Recovery: www.unhooked.com Marijuana Anonymous: www.marijuana-anonymous.org Methadone Anonymous: www.methadone-anonymous.org Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves: www.sossobriety.org SMART Recovery: www. smartrecovery.org Women for Sobriety: www.womenforsobriety.org Self-Compassion: www.mindfulselfcompassion.org Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org Overeaters Anonymous: www.oa.org RESOURCES Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors programs and online resources: www.phoenix-society.org Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association: www.emdria.org National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists: www.nacbt.org Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: www.abct.org SELF-HELP GROUPS FOR ADDICTION Alcoholics Anonymous: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS Dual Diagnosis Resources: www.dualdiagnosis.org GROUPS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS Al-Anon/Alateen: www.al-anon. alateen.org Co-Anon: www.co-anon.org Families Anonymous: www.familiesanonymous.org Nar-Anon: www.nar-anon.org Chemically Dependent Anonymous: www.cdaweb.org Don’t Miss This Opportunity! PEG Scholarship Applications Due July 1 Each year the Phoenix Society awards several scholarships to burn survivors who are attending college or technical school. The program has issued a total of 130 grants to date. To learn more about this scholarship program and download an application, visit www.phoenix-society.org. Completed applications and all supporting documentation for the 2015 Phoenix Education Grants must be submitted no later than July 1, 2015. All monetary awards are made possible by contributions to the PEG endowment fund. If you would like to help other burn survivors continue their education, please make a contribution to the PEG fund at www.phoenixsociety.org. SPONSORED IN PART BY: Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 17 | Issue 1 2015 Embracing the Future with Fortitude What a Gift By Amy Acton, RN, BSN Executive Director Those of us who have endured a burn injury, or walked alongside someone who has, can recall moments when things seemed insurmountable, the feeling of being overwhelmed, or the unexpected events that required important decisions. During those times in my own recovery I was fearful about moving forward into the future. I had what I call “fear blinders” that prevented me from seeing the possibilities and the opportunities that might lie head. Experiencing fear yet being able to move forward toward an unknown future is hard work. Personally, I eventually found a way to focus my efforts, learning what was within my control and drawing upon the resources and strengths that I had to take that next step forward in my burn recovery. The key that enabled me to lean into my fear was the vision I had for my “preferred future.” I learned a lot about my own strengths and the resources upon which I could draw. These same life lessons have served me well over the years in many other challenges I have encountered both professionally and personally. Gaining this insight through my burn was an unexpected gift; however, having the honor of being a part of many of your journeys through burn recovery has reinforced the true meaning of embracing the future with fortitude. Embracing the future with fortitude means that you must utilize your strengths, build resiliency, and develop the courage to take risks even if you might fail. It also means you must be willing to ask for help. Ultimately it is about being open to new and better ways to do things because your goal or purpose is so important to you. For those of us who have sustained a burn injury, that goal is often getting back to living life to the fullest. Phoenix Society’s greatest strength, I believe, has also been the ability to embrace the future with fortitude. Without a doubt, our collective experience as survivors has influenced the work of this organization. We build upon our strengths, are open to change, find the resources and partnerships necessary to realize our preferred future— the one that ensures that everyone affected by a burn has access to the resources and support necessary to get back to living. We, as an organization, have been considering our future and calling upon fortitude to put a strategy in place that will enable us achieve our goals. Through our recent program assessment, which many of you participated in, we learned that the Phoenix Society is well positioned to make an even greater impact. We are also being called upon by the burn community to do more. So we must find ways to build sustainable and impactful programs that adapt to the changing and growing needs of those we serve. We must boldly embrace the future with fortitude because our preferred future is so vital to so many in this community. I think back to what it must have been like for Alan Breslau, following his burn injury, to learn from a doctor that there was no organization dedicated to helping burn survivors connect with and support one another. That doctor then suggested that Alan take the initiative to start one. Imagine if our founder had not embraced this challenge and moved forward to develop the only national organization for burn survivors. In the early days of the Phoenix Society, there were rarely survivors of severe burn injuries; however, now in the U.S. more than 96% of those who sustain a burn injury and are treated in a burn center survive. The changes we have seen in burn care and recovery support since 1977 have been significant and exciting. Just as the treatment of the physical burn injury has evolved over the years, so has the way in which we facilitate and provide peer support. Since our founding, the Phoenix Society has focused on the core belief that having support from someone who has experienced a burn injury has tremendous impact on our healing. When I stepped into this role 16 years ago, our biggest challenge was determining how to build upon the loose network of survivors scattered across the country and increase access to quality, consistent peer support throughout North America. Imagine if the small group of survivors and burn care professionals that the Phoenix Society gathered in 1999 to develop a model program Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 18 | Issue 1 2015 for peer support would have succumbed to their fears and doubts, concerns that the Phoenix SOAR program would never be accepted into burn centers and that the definition of “survivor,” which was expanded to include the family, would not be embraced. Imagine if we had not have moved forward with fortitude even when there were many within the burn care community who were not supportive of the peer support concept. Instead we embraced the unknown because we believed so strongly that the end goal was too important not to try. We piloted Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery, or SOAR, in 6 burn centers in 2001. Today the program is flourishing in 64 hospitals. We are continually assessing and adjusting this program to meet the needs of the community. It is not the same program we launched in 2001 nor will it be the same in 2025. We will continue to embrace the future with fortitude and look at new ways to expand the reach and impact as we adapt to healthcare changes across the country over the next several years. Imagine if we were unwilling to fully embrace the growth we as an organization are currently experiencing. Last year alone we experienced a 20% increase in Phoenix World Burn Congress attendance. It was a powerful moment to see our community come together in such large numbers to support one another. If we resisted growth and change, many burn survivors would never experience such support because of the gaps that exist in long-term recovery services. But the expansion needed will require new approaches and greater participation by our community and beyond so that we can sustain and continue to provide this life-changing program. As an organization we are moving forward. We are working toward our goal of ensuring that every burn survivor and their families will have access to burn recovery resources and support on their journey back to living life to its fullest. That is our preferred future. The opportunities and possibilities are great if we lean into the future together. We must remain focused on our core mission, draw upon the strengths we have as an organization and community, learn new ways to do things, and take informed risks to expand our impact. Embracing the future with fortitude and having a vision, a shared vision, for the preferred future is vital. Rarely, if ever, do we achieve a goal alone. Together let’s embrace the preferred future for the Phoenix Society and add our gift of fortitude so we can realize our full potential. Help us take our next step forward by adding your experience to current research efforts, contributing your financial or volunteer support to our programs, and following our achievements and then sharing them through your social network. Imagine the impact we will have on the lives of those recovering from a burn injury! Paradigm Challenge Encourages Youth to Join Fight Against Home Fires Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the American Red Cross, and Project Paradigm (a private foundation) invite youth ages 7 to 18 to join the Paradigm Challenge, an annual competition to affect positive change in the world. The first annual Challenge aims to generate new ideas to prevent injuries and fatalities from home fires—America’s no. 1 disaster threat. Fire is everyone’s fight. Home fires kill more Americans than earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. This year’s Paradigm Challenge gives youth and teens an opportunity to use science, technology, engineering, math, kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help save lives. Competitors are encouraged to use inventions, videos, posters, messages, community events, websites, games, apps, and any other solution that might help reduce the massive harm caused by home fires. The deadline to submit ideas to help fire preparedness, prevention, detection, or suppression is May 1, 2015. Create your team. Submit your ideas. Win cash prizes up to $100,000! Find more information at http://ow.ly/CAOaG. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 19 | Issue 1 2015 Donor Recognition We wish to thank the following individuals and organizations for their contributions made between October 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014: Diamond Phoenix Tyco International Inc. Platinum Phoenix Kidde Motorola Solutions Foundation National Fallen Firefighters Foundation New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Golden Phoenix Buses By The Beach, Inc. Jan and Craig Hartberg Silver Phoenix Assad Family National Fire Sprinkler Association New Jersey Chapter Daryl and Sandy Phillips Karen & Reg Richard Howard Tellepsen, Jr. Bronze Phoenix American Fire Sprinkler Association New Jersey Chapter AMTA RI Chapter Anaheim Firefighters Association Michele Anderson and Frank Nickerson Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation Sarah and Joseph Bazey Don Cheley Do Right Foundation Sharon and George Everett Edward and Gloria Freeland Jill P. Glaser Brian and Jean Hall Richard and Mary Halpert Patrick C. Horan and Valerie Mosher Jackson Healthcare LLC Lewis E. Kazis, Sc.D. Mark and Deana Lecy Andrew P. Lee Ian D. MacDiarmid Make Up First LLC Samuel J. Moore-Sobel National Fire Sprinkler Association PenJerDel Chapter Network for Good Cynthia Martinez-Patin Providence Firefighters Burn Foundation Reedley Firemen’s Association Rich and Diana Rodriguez Susan and Bradley Schulman Simplex Construction Supplies, Inc. Victor and Lori Ann Stagnaro UL Varnum LLP Cesar and Margaret Baro Carla Beaurline David and Carly Bowers Care Plans For Life, LLC Dr. Daniel B. Carr and Justine Carr Cheley Colorado Camps Nilda L. Claudio Theresa and Kevin Connors Buddy and Adele Dewar Denise and George Doherty Mitchell and Aimee Dryer Thomas and Beth Edge Give With Liberty Jeffrey Gray Stephanie and Winward Griffin Diane L. Johnson Rhonda J. Kurtz Lancaster County Firemens Association, Inc. Mark and Pamela Maier Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg Lisa and Daniel Mattern Carolyn Memmott Donald R. Miller Dr. Vimal Murthy Amy M. Nelson Melanie M. Parker Barbara and Kenneth Quayle Paul H. Ramponi Robert and Patricia Reed Ruth Brubaker Rimmer, PhD Curtis and Magaly Schaeffer Steven and Cheryl Schneider Schwab Charitable Fund James D. Scott Dr. Lynn and Pat Solem Julie Spiegel Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 417 Jill Sproul and Kevin Cook St. Louis Fire Sprinkler Alliance Swiss-American Products, Inc. Donald and Susan Trentel Winfield L. Verdow James A. Vidas Viking Group Inc. Steven and Giena Vogel Rosemary J. Voss Susan Weigl West Michigan Burn Survivor Benefit Car Show Richard Wilcox, MD Soren Wolmar Charles Yowler, MD Gregory and Barbara Zoellick Friend Amy Acton, RN, BSN Harry Adams Linda Adler Jeffrey Akerson Jeanette Alsheimer AmazonSmile Foundation Supporter Ameriprise Financial Inc Around Town Media LLC Jenny Anderson Ryan N. R. Albrecht-Wood, RN Joan and Scott Anderson Janet and Forrest Aurentz Meredith Balgley and Erik Barry D. Balliet Bendix Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors Bank of America Foundation Marilyn Barlow-Oldrid Lori and Brad Barnes Joan Bartlett Jennifer L. Barto Bobbie and Ernie Bazey Carol Beardmore Leatrice and Stanley Bell Diane and John Bello Benevity Bruce and Lois Berry David G. Blatchford Donald P. Bliss Sigrid Blome-Eberwein, MD Keith and Karen Bock Shirley and Russell Borges Mark and Joan Boron Donald P. Borowicz Deborah L. Bostic Philip Bradley Mary K. Brand Norma Jean Brandau Bravelets LLC Alan and Delwyn Breslau Tod and Lisa Breslau Chris and Cathy Brockett Wanda Brodzka, MD Andrea Brollini George and Beverly Brown Ellen M. Buck Kathleen Bujak Douglas J. Bull Tomo Buncic Anthony F. Burke and Stacey Loen-Burke Sandy and Christine Bussard Danna and William Butler Kimberly Calman-McMurray Linda and Carl Carpenter Margaret D. Carson Peter and Theresa Castagnozzi Ashley and Jesus Castillo John Caufield Tara Cesena Naiwei Hsu Chang Piotr Chmielewski Holly Christian Laura A. Christie Greg Clark Hunt, Ahern & Embry Clark Jillian Clark, PT Tom Clark Tonia L. Clark Corrine and Peter Clavey Jaclynn Colby Dr. Jeremy Cole and Geraldine Cole Leigh Ann Comb Candy Cooper, RN Mary K. Cooper, PhD Antoinette M. Coppola Pamela Coscarelli Valerie Cottrell Conishia M. Cradle Sharon Crall Sandra Cramolini, RN Maureen Cross, PT Stephanie Cuccio Saralee Czajkowski Allen and Jill Dahmen Gil and Nancy Dannels Eric Davis David and Rita Day Howard Delinck Alexander DeMartin Theresa and Kenneth DeMartin Dematic Employee Association Rebecca F. Denlinger Frances Denman Scott and Barbara Denman Virdella and Melvin Denwiddie Laura DePersis Alan R. Dimick, MD, FACS Melissa J. Dolan Matthew Dolson Virginia T. Donelson, CRNA Marion L. Douglas Lesley Draper Susan R. Dreeben Julie Duenaz Dr. Christina L. Duncan Sarah Duval Lorraine C. Dykstra Eastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey CFC Kathryn Edwards, PhD Thomas W. Elder Kate Errett Lindsay Errett-Cohen Exelon Corporation Chief Ronald R. Farr James Fauerbach, PhD Trevor L. Fink Fort Polk-Central Louisiana Combined Federal Campaign Crystalyn Fowler Linda and Jere Franklin Beth J. Franzen, OTR Emma Freeland Kenneth and Marjorie Fridrich Joseph Garcia Bev and Bruce Gartner Julie Garvey Megan Geerling Dan and Mary Gengler Dorothy D. German Yetta Gilbert Grant Gillard Anthony Giombetti Suzanne M. Glazer Laura Gonzales Judith M. Goodwin Google Inc. Ann S. Gotthoffer Jonnie and Pam Graddy Sherri, Nick and Cooper Grecco Mabel Green Olin L. Greene Shannon M. Greene Jay Greska William N. Griswold Michael and Sharon Grodi Gropper Law Group PLLC Linda Gruber Donald and Jean Halford Janet Hall Kenneth Hallman Geoffrey G. Hallock, MD, FACS Cathy J. Hanford, PT Janet Harman, RN Matilda M. Haskell Loriana Hatch Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 20 | Issue 1 2015 Ron Hazelton Jan Heinitz David A. Henderson Mary Henseler Lourdes and Millet Heredia Lea N. Hetland Richard W. Hext Chet Hill Christine and Mark Hillgartner Alissa Hillman James M. Hoffman Mary Ellen Hogan, RN Mary Holland Dave and Karen Hopp Thomas J. Hovan Pamela D. Howard Gregg R. Huennekens Michelle R. Hughes and Clara J. Smith Nick and Lea Hunt Patricia and Robert Hutchinson Rachael C. Hyler Jenne Imholte Jesse and Lianne Ingalla Angela A. Ivey Ellie Jackson Shannon M. Jackson Maureen M. Jahne Kelly James, MSW Lisa and Steve James Mary C. Janowiak Lori Jensen-Wells Raymond and Janice Johanson Deborah K. Johnson Nancy Johnson Aurore Ernest Jones Chief Daniel Jones Rick Joy Steven E. Joyner, Jr. Kevin and Linda Jurus Barbara Kanegis Dr. Perry and Marlene Kaplan Tim Keehn Gary S. Keith Mike Kelsey and Corrina O’Brien Kelsey Noah and Tricia Kendrick Tracie Kidwell Raymond and Debbie King Matthew Kirkevold Stephen R. Kissell Michael J. Klatskin and Judith Feldman Jerrold Knee, Esq Dolores Kneece Janet R. Knowles Steve Koch Halle Kogan Rick Konkler Lauren Kos David Kowolenko KP’s of the 80’s Kelly Kratzke Jonathan and Lauren Kriss Rosemary M. Kuczera Jacci Kuczynski David LaFond Dawn M. Landschoot Kristyn M. Langbeen Jeanne LaSargeBono Sierjie Lash Heather Lauderback, MSW Miriam and Scotty Lejonvarn Leo and Connie Lemieux Marjorie Letsch Toby Levenson Alan L. Levin Brooke and Michael Linman Jill Lively Thomas and Mary Loftus Reverend Allan Lokos Fabiana I. Lowe Kelly J. Luevano John and Tamara Lundeen Mary and Mike Lutz John A. Lychner Mr. Connie R. MacDonald Romida Magnampo Zachary L. Magnone Pirko Maguina, MD Roberta Mann, MD Martha Manning Kristen Marquez Ilene E. Marshall Angel Martinez Andrew Marxen Maureen Mathews Sharon Mayr Kelly M. McCrone Leslie A. McDonald Douglas McElvy Katrina McEuen Peter McGonagle Maribeth McNitt Cory McPherson Kathy and Richard Meinig Dale Meisinger Andrew Merz Tracey Merz Wally and Mary Miller Angela Minetor Jimmy and Marion Minnis Jamie Mizgalski Terry and Deborah Mohler Nicole Moreno Kelly S. Morgan Doris Mucci Sierra Muckelvaney Joseph Myers Louise Nayer Sandee Nelson Christine Neuhoff Catherine A. Noga Sherie Oh Chinonye Omeje Jerry O’Regan John and Heather O’Reilly Linda D. Pacente Timothy and Stephanie Perdue Normand and Teresa Perron Linda Perry George and Joanne Pessotti Thomas Pessotti Jennifer Peterson Pam Peterson, RN, BSN Ron Peterson Brad and Jessica Phillips Diane Pierson Michael Piuze Parnel and Mary Plante Jenean Pomeroy Lee and Judy Posma John Potvin Justina Powell Sally Powell Samantha M. Price Vickie Pritchett Col. Basil A. Pruitt, Jr. MD Cynthia Psoras Mary Beth Raab Christine and John Ragucci Sue A. Ramaglia, RN, BSN Red Frog Events Charitable Match Loretta C. Regan Dawn and Carl Renzetti Heather S. Reynolds Lucie Reynolds Lisa Richards Julienne Robbins Mary Roberts Dustin Rockrohr Melisa Rodriguez Kevin Rogers Ronald and Jane Romard Jody M. Rood, BSN Roxanne Roy Calder Russell Gina M. Russo and Steven Sherman Marcia and Andrew Sabol Randy Safer Alejandro and Mary Sanchez Michael and Ora Scantlin Kevin C. Scarbrough Gregg E. Schaefer Laura and Jeffrey Scharf Maaike Schenone Kevin Schmitt Jeffrey C. Schneider, MD Kathleen M. Schroder Kim Schroeder Sheldon and Christine Schwab Dallas Scott Scott’s Landscaping, Inc. Pamela Seaver Timothy E. Sendelbach Steve Sferra Daniel H. Sheingold Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki Signal 54 Training Silicon Valley Community Foundation Eric Skare Kimberly L. Slack Dr. David Sluyter, EdD Richard and Judith Smart Karen L. Smith Stephen M. Smith Steven and Sherry Smith Michael G. Smock, MD Irene and Richard Snyder John and Joan Spindler Karl and Judith Stadler Lindsey and Adam Stagnaro Loretta Stagnitto Patrick and Madonna Stamp Robert Stangler Patti J. Stasiek Marjory J. Steinhafel Catherine M. Stenger Daniel Stowell Roxy Sucky Janice L. Sumner Judea R. Sy Glen and Delores Tabron Theodore and Laurel Talbott Diana Tenney and Gerard LaPerriere Charles B. Thiel Jason R. Thimm Chris and Terri Thompson Darrell Thompson Elaine Thompson Megan and Fred Tinney TMMC Inc. Susan Tognazzini Christopher and Holly Travis Kathleen A. Twomby Dave and Judi Ungar Scott and Rosalee Unwin Troy and Pei-Ching Vest Judy Vidas Rachael L. Vinacco Maryann P. Visin David Vogel and Ellen Ezorsky Jodi J. Wagberg Tammy Wagoner Jack and Emily Wallace Carl N. Wallnau, Jr. Esq Timothy G. Walter Tony Warnick Rosemary Washington Leslie Wedge Cristel Wells West Penn Hospital Burn Center West Warwick Firefighters Association Local 1104 Monica J. Westphal Scott and Mary Wheatley Ronald J. Whelan Ramona Wierszewski Sarah Wilcox and Jonathan Siegel Daniel T. Wilson Estelle Wittrock Leo and Michelle Woelkers Guy and Jody Wojtowicz Len and Sally Wojtowicz Nick and Wendy Wojtowicz Peggy Wold Stephen H. Wolf, MD Amy Wood Debbie and John Woodfine Jim and Lisa Woodward Geoff Woolard Linda and Gary Wright David S. Wroth Megan Yankee William Yates Donna Yazinski Mary Jane Youngblood Imran Zaman Michelle Zaragoza Northgate Market Occasional Sounds Professional DJ Service Olivu426 Outerwall Justina R. Page Peg Paul & Associates, Ltd. Frankie Pinnix Providence Firefighters Local 799 Barbara and Kenneth Quayle Steven and Cheryl Schneider Milton L. Servis, II Maryanne F. Shaw Shriners Hospitals for Children Galveston Skydeck Chicago Spiegel Burn Foundation Stampin’ Up! Carrol Ann Stankovitz Sunset World Gifts-In-Kind The Dinner Detective Akron Children’s Hospital Donald and Susan Trentel Always Wired Bead Lady UC Irvine Regional Burn Anaheim Convention Center Center Anaheim Fire & Rescue Maryann P. Visin Anaheim Orange County Sarah Wilcox and Jonathan Visitor & Convention Siegel Bureau Jim and Lisa Woodward Anonymous Ida Young Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Baribeau and Sons Inc Memorial & Tributes Lynne Benavides IN MEMORY OF BARBARA James A. Bosch, MA O’DONNELL Nancy Braudrick Baltimore-Washington Alan and Delwyn Breslau Financial Advisors Daniel and Sarah Bruinsma Lori and Brad Barnes Calgary Firefighters Burn Saralee Czajkowski Treatment Centre Sharon Mayr Cape Breton Firefighters Cynthia Psoras Burn Care Society Cape Breton Regional IN MEMORY OF COLIN Municipality Fire Service MACDIARMID Lily Chatterjee Ian MacDiarmid Alisa Christensen Amy Clark, BS, CCLS IN MEMORY OF ERNEST Davey’s Locker GONZALEZ John Davis Julie Spiegel DC Firefighters Burn Foundation IN MEMORY OF IRIS MILLER Chad and Tabitha Dillon Thomas and Beth Edge IN MEMORY OF LORRAINE Jonathan Fesik DELINCK Chief Robert Gill Howard Delinck Angela G. Gregg Kenneth and Susan Harper IN MEMORY OF MARY D. Highlights for Children SCOTT Hilton Anaheim James D. Scott John Hurley Indianapolis Marriott IN MEMORY OF PENNY KISER Downtown Janet Bruner Tony Jarrett Joseph Kinan and Carrie IN MEMORY OF THOMAS Pratt LIGHTHOLDER Ron Kressman Mary C. Janowiak Late Show with David Letterman IN MEMORY OF THOMAS LION WELLS Susan and Rusty Lugli Lori Jensen-Wells Leonard Lustik Paul and Kelly Machado IN HONOR OF AL Spencer and Thersa Mallinger ALKERSON John and Sue Merryman Jeffrey Akerson Merz Aesthetics a division of Merz North America IN HONOR OF ALAN BRESLAU Donald and Joella Miller Tod and Lisa Breslau Suzi Mitchell Doris Mucci Michelle Moore Motorola Solutions Inc IN HONOR OF ALBRECHT/ National Fallen Firefighters GREENAWALK/SCOTT/ Foundation WOOD FAMILY Newport Landing Whale Ryan N. R. Albrecht-Wood, RN Watching Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 21 | Issue 1 2015 IN HONOR OF ALL CAREGIVERS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES Angel Martinez IN HONOR OF AMY WOOD 2 YEARS OF HEALING Mike Kelsey and Corrina O’Brien Kelsey IN HONOR OF BARBARA AND KEN QUAYLE Rosemary J. Voss IN HONOR OF BARBARA O’DONNELL Gil and Nancy Dannels Paradise Spring Homes Association Dave and Judi Ungar IN HONOR OF DENNIS & CHARLENE FOWLER Yetta Gilbert IN HONOR OF KATHERINE “KATIE” BOSTIC Deborah L. Bostic IN HONOR OF DONEEN KEY Timothy and Stephanie Perdue IN HONOR OF KENNETH C. QUAYLE Barbara Quayle IN HONOR OF DON AND NOREEN KEY Timothy and Stephanie Perdue IN HONOR OF KENNETH J. JOHNSON Diane L. Johnson IN HONOR OF FRANK MCGONAGLE Peter McGonagle IN HONOR OF HERB MILLER Valerie Cottrell IN HONOR OF LISA BROCKETT HUSHAW Chris and Cathy Brockett IN HONOR OF MOROWA C. POWELL Justina Powell IN HONOR OF GINA RUSSO Lisa Richards IN HONOR OF NATHAN LEMONS IN HONOR OF CAREY Timothy and Stephanie AURENTZ CUMMINS IN HONOR OF IAN MACLEOD Perdue Janet and Forrest Aurentz Megan Yankee IN HONOR OF NICK & IN HONOR OF DAHN BULL IN HONOR OF JOANNE GRAY WENDY WOJTOWICZ; LEN & Douglas J. Bull Give With Liberty SALLY WOJTOWICZ; LON & PAT WOJTOWICZ; CLAUDINE IN HONOR OF DAVID BOWERS IN HONOR OF JOHN & & MARK GOODRICH; GUY & Danna and William Butler CLAIRE WALKER JODY WOJTOWICZ Jack and Emily Wallace Sarah and Joseph Bazey IN HONOR OF NICOLE SMITH DAHMEN AND BILLY DAHMEN Jan and Craig Hartberg IN HONOR OF STEPHEN AND RHONDA LEMONS Timothy and Stephanie Perdue IN HONOR OF NILS J. GJERSTON Marjorie Letsch IN HONOR OF STEVE AND CATHERINE JOYNER Steven E. Joyner, Jr. IN HONOR OF PATRICK C. HORAN Lesley Draper IN HONOR OF THE WOOD FAMILY Dallas Scott IN HONOR OF PHOENIX SOCIETY STAFF Thomas and Beth Edge IN HONOR OF THE WORK OF AMY ACTON Barry D. Balliet IN HONOR OF RICK & MARY HALPERT Dr. David Sluyter, EdD IN HONOR OF VIVIAN PELLAS Curtis and Magaly Schaeffer IN HONOR OF ROGER CHRISTIAN Holly Christian IN HONOR OF WILLIAM C. BARTLETT Joan Bartlett IN HONOR OF SCOTT DENMAN Cristel Wells IN HONOR OF SHARON EVERETT Laura and Jeffrey Scharf PHOENIX CHAMPIONS - MEMBERS OF THE PHOENIX SOCIETY MONTHLY GIVING CLUB Meredith Balgley and Erik Bendix Deborah L. Bostic Tod and Lisa Breslau Anthony F. Burke and Stacey Loen-Burke Rebecca Denlinger Janet Harman, RN Martha Manning Dr. Lynn and Pat Solem Tony Warnick Megan Yankee BENEFACTORS SOCIETY Honoring individuals who have made provisions for the Phoenix Society within their estate plans or life income plans. Have you remembered The Phoenix Society? Please let us know so we can include you in our Benefactors Society. Anonymous George Araujo Sarah Bazey, B.A., OPM Bruce Berger Gary D. Boller Trust Deborah L. Bostic Alan and Delwyn Breslau John P. Capanna Antoinette M. Coppola Suzanne, Jason, Eric, Lynne & Kari DeLorenzo Emma Freeland Ira Gruber Richard and Mary Halpert Janet Harman, RN Jay Heying Patrick C. Horan Barbara Kanegis Rosanne Klass Alan C. Kritta Andrew Lee Mike and Mary Lutz Christie and David McKnight Michelle Mercier Gail Miller Humphrey Miller Chris and Karen Noles Joanne Pessotti Ken and Barbara Quayle Gregory and Janice Roach Sandra Rose Cynthia Sekowski, PhD Julie Spiegel Hugh R. Stewart Gladys Vose William and Sandra Weinhardt Debra Woodliff Wright/Martinez Family Trust TOM & MARY HESSEL ENDOWMENT FUND Be a Phoenix Champion All Year Long With Monthly Giving Monthly giving enables you to make a substantial member contribution to the Society by giving smaller gifts over time. And because your credit card is automatically charged each month, you can be sure your member benefits are never interrupted. Keep in mind that you are in full control of your membership and can increase, decrease, or discontinue your monthly giving at any time. For less than $1 a day, you can join the special group of our most passionate supporters who are leading the way in championing the needs of burn survivors. Join today at phoenix-society.org/monthly-giving or with the envelope in this issue. Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 22 | Issue 1 2015 Seeking Nominations for the 2015 Breslau Award The Alan and Delwyn Breslau Award is presented to an individual who has, through a collaborative spirit, significantly enhanced the ability of the Phoenix Society to fulfill its mission of peer support, education, collaboration, and advocacy. To nominate an individual, submit your name and address, as well as your nominee’s contact information, a letter detailing why your nominee should be selected, and any other relevant information no later than July 1, 2015, by email to [email protected] . The 2015 Breslau Award will be presented at Phoenix World Burn Congress this fall. Board of Directors Officers Patrick C. Horan, President Burn Survivor and Volunteer Sparta, NJ Sarah Bazey, Vice President Burn Survivor Owner, Simplex Construction Inc. Minneapolis, MN Directors Karen Badger, Ph.D., MSW Assistant Provost and Associate Dean in Undergraduate Education Associate Professor of Social Work University of Kentucky Lexington, KY Anthony F. Burke Community Chapter Executive Director American Red Cross Serving Eastern South Dakota Sioux Empire Chapter Sioux Falls, SD Lorraine Carli Vice President of Communications National Fire Protection Association Quincy, MA Donald Cheley President, Cheley Colorado Camps Denver, CO Vickie Pritchett, Secretary/Treasurer Director of Public Fire Protection National Fire Sprinkler Association Pleasant View, TN Contact Information J.R. Martinez Burn Survivor, Military, and Actor Studio City, CA Amar Patel, DHSc, MS, NREMT-P Director, Center for Innovative Learning WakeMed Health & Hospitals Adjunct Instructor UNC School of Medicine Raleigh, NC Peg Paul President, Peg Paul & Associates Frankfort, IL Timothy E. Sendelbach TES2 Training and Education Services FireRescue Magazine (Editor) Las Vegas, NV Karen Colligan Burn Survivor Founder & Principal, PeopleThink San Francisco, CA Jill Sproul, RN, MS Burn Survivor Nurse Manager Regional Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center San Jose, CA William Leahy President, New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation New York, NY Mike Williams Investigator, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office Vol. Firefighter, Northwest Harnett Fire Dept Fuquay Varina, NC The Phoenix Society, Inc. 1835 R W Berends Dr. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49519-4955 Phone: 800.888.2876 Fax: 616.458.2831 Web Site: www.phoenix-society.org E-Mail: [email protected] Staff Amy Acton, Executive Director Sara Bruinsma, Administrative Assistant Amy Clark, Program Consultant Megan Geerling, Development Director Kerri Hanson, Office Manager Jess Irven, Youth & Family Program Contractor Jeanne LaSargeBono, Business Director Nicole Perry, Youth & Family Program Manager Pam Peterson, Program Director Tammy VanMeter, Database Coordinator Susan Wise, Administrative Assistant Trish Acton, Phoenix Burn Support Magazine Layout & Design Maureen Kalil, Phoenix Burn Support Magazine Editor Note: The Phoenix Society does not endorse products or services, but is committed to providing information as it relates to the burn community. Burn Support Magazine is published by the nonprofit organization, The Phoenix Society, Inc. ® 1835 R W Berends Dr. SW | Grand Rapids, MI 49519-4955 | Printed in USA | © Copyright 2015 | ISSN 1544-1857 Phoenix Burn Support Magazine | 23 | Issue 1 2015 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 679 The Phoenix Inc. 1835 RW BerendsSociety, Dr. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49519-4955 1835 RW Berends Dr. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49519-4955 616.458.2773 | 1.800.888.2876 fax: 616.458.2831 1.800.888.2876 www.phoenix-society.org fax: 616.458.2831 [email protected] www.phoenix-society.org [email protected] 27th ANNUAL PHOENIX WORLD BURN CONGRESS Indianapolis Marriott Downtown Indianapolis, IN October 21-24, 2015 Lead Sponsors: