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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,
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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,
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.
Program Development:
Evolution of
the Fire
Service Initiative
By Karen Badger, PhD, MSW, and Phil Tammaro FF-EMT
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.
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.
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.
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,
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
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
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:
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Perdue
IN HONOR OF KENNETH C.
QUAYLE
Barbara Quayle
IN HONOR OF DON AND
NOREEN KEY
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
Permit No. 679
The
Phoenix
Inc.
1835 RW
BerendsSociety,
Dr. SW
1835 RW Berends Dr. SW
616.458.2773 | 1.800.888.2876
fax: 616.458.2831
1.800.888.2876
fax: 616.458.2831
[email protected]
[email protected]
27th ANNUAL PHOENIX WORLD BURN CONGRESS
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
Indianapolis, IN
October 21-24, 2015
Lead Sponsors:

Read Now - Phoenix Society

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