Parent Workshop Addresses the Needs of the Entire Family after Burn Injury

The parent workshop was held today for parents coping with burn survivorship within the family. The workshop provided information, perspectives, expert advice and open discussion for the attendees. Aimed at both parents of child/teen survivors as well as parents who are themselves burn survivors, this workshop addressed the impact that burn injury has on children, teens and family.

Parents had the opportunity to explore what their family had experienced and gained useful information and tools to manage the future.

A facilitated support group follows this session to allow for further discussion. The parent support group addresses aspects such as guilt and children’s behavior challenges. Hearing that you are not alone, connecting with each other, and learning about recovery helps parents prepare for the next stages of their family journey.

Kids in Childcare Enjoy the WBC Experience, Too!

The smallest survivors and family members got a taste of belonging and fun today, too!  Our childcare participants, ages infant through 6 years old, enjoyed getting to know new friends and supportive caregivers.  They got to explore a lot of games, active play, and more.

Our UBelong staff also brought components of therapeutic programming to the kids.  Today, childcare participants got to do a self-portrait (with help for the littlest ones), and describe how each part of themselves was useful, valuable, beautiful, and special.  This helps with healthy self-image and talking about how we are all different and the same.  As every member of the family is impacted by burn survivorship, so too, does the Phoenix Society support and meet everyone where they are at.

Lionel and Joanna Crowther: Getting Through the Fire

Severely injured while battling a house fire in February 2007 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Lionel Crowther was among 4 of the 6 firefighters trapped by a flashover, that made it out of the blaze alive.

Lionel and his wife, Joanna, were the featured speakers at today’s general session.  Their discussion  “Getting Through the Fire”, revealed their personal journey as a burn-injured firefighter and spouse, and the impact on the entire family.

A firefighter with the City of Winnipeg (Canada) Fire Department, Lionel was finally able to find the support he needed upon attending the Phoenix Society’s 2009 World Burn Congress in New York City.  He notes that he was looking for another firefighter at that point to ask “What did you do?”  By connecting with others in the firefighter community through the Phoenix Society, the healing started to come together.

Lionel and Joanna explained the journey from that initial “call” that forever changed their lives, to the different healing paths they each encountered, both as individuals and as a family.   Lionel discussed what they discovered as a participant with Phoenix Society’s peer support for firefighters. He stated, “we learned that every burn survivor is an individual, and every individual has to have their own path.”

Today’s general session attendees were able to gain insight as to the challenges of a burn survivor’s recovery experience, how that path is different for their significant other, and how burn injury impacts the dynamics of the  entire family.  The audience also learned the unique perspective of healing and support for burn-injured firefighters.  Lionel has been able to bring his own unique perspective to the Phoenix Society’s SOAR program, as he has been trained as a SOAR Peer Supporter for burn survivors and firefighter burn survivors.

“The Phoenix Society helped me realize I wasn’t a burn victim anymore and that I was a survivor. I became proud to be a survivor fire fighter, survivor husband, and survivor father.”

Since their recovery, Lionel, with Joanna’s support and guidance, has concentrated his studies and training on Fire Fighter Survival, in it’s many forms. He has been appointed as a Master Instructor with the International Association of Fire Fighters Fire Ground Survival Program, trainer for the Petzl EXO Escape System, and is the District Coordinator for the IAFF 13th District Burn Foundation Coordinator. Only through constant training and support, Lionel was able to return to the front line as an active firefighter.

Opening Ceremonies

Phoenix Society’s 2013 World Burn Congress has officially opened!  Opening ceremonies were conducted this morning as an official start to this international gathering of burn survivors, family members, fire service, healthcare professionals and others focused on the need of long-term recovery services.

A stirring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” opens the Phoenix Society’s 25th Annual World Burn Congress

A special thanks to the Providence Fire Department, the Fire Service Color Guard led by the West Warwick Fire Department, the Rhode Island Professional Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums, and other fire service members and emergency first responders who provide their service, honor, and pride to the burn survivor community!

Welcome attendees to Phoenix Society’s 25th Annual World Burn Congress in Providence, Rhode Island!

World Burn Congress Begins with Walk of Remembrance

The Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress conference began with a “Walk of Remembrance” from the Omni Providence Hotel to the Rhode Island State House –  honoring those who have died from their burn injuries and offering a time to remember our own losses related to burn injuries.

Firefighters and Volunteers lined the walk route, escorting attendees on this symbolic opening of the 25th Annual World Burn Congress. Gathered at the State House, Rhode Island Governor, Lincoln Chafee, Former Rhode Island Governor, Donald Carcieri, Steven M. Pare, Commissioner of Public Safety, Paul Doughty, President IAFF Local 799, Gina Russo, President of Station Fire Memorial Foundation – Survivor, Dr. David Harrington, Medical Director of Rhode Island Hospital Burn Center, Jim Shannon, President National Fire Protection Association, and Amy Acton, Executive Director, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors addressed the walk participants, and spoke to remind the public at-large that burn care and prevention is critical.

A special guest speaker, Adherbal Ferreira, President Association of Victims of Santa Maria Fire Brazil, also spoke to the crowd.  Phoenix Society was introduced to Mr. Ferreira during a visit to Brazil soon after the tragic 2013 Santa Maria nightclub fire in Brazil, where Mr. Ferreira’s daughter had died.    Phoenix Society saw the unique opportunity to invite the representatives from Brazil to World Burn Congress and to add their voices to the important issue of fire prevention.

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors continues to be a central hub of information, resources and programming across North America, and more recently, internationally.  As part of the burn community, we believe by promoting life safety codes we will prevent needless loss of life and burn injuries that affect families and communities across America and internationally.

Catch some of the memorable moments of the Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress “Walk of Remembrance” – view the slideshow below.

Phoenix Society’s members and special guests carry the Walk of Remembrance banner

Local Fire Departments join to provide pipe and drum escorts to burn survivors, family members and other attendees of WBC 2013

Burn survivors, their families, fire fighters, caregivers and others join together to participate in the Walk of Remembrance

Approaching the Rhode Island State House

Addressing the crowd at the Rhode Island State House

A moment of silence – honoring those that have died from burn injuries and remembering our own losses related to burn injuries

 

UBelong Participants – Come Get to Know Us!

UBelong participants, Express Yourselves!  The theme of this year is all about expressing who you are and what you think.  Each person’s unique qualities, views, and strengths are here to be celebrated!  Come and get to know your new friends at the UBelong table tonight at the kickoff event.  Staff will have group and individual activities ready to help everyone meet new friends and feel comfortable and get ready to express yourself!  Come find us by the Rotunda.

Thank you to Our Sponsors and Donors

Thank you to our incredible list of sponsors who are dedicated to helping burn survivors and their families thrive after a burn injury!  It is because of their generosity that we are able to provide the Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress program each year.

The support of 125 wonderful contributors has provided healing, hope and a connection to a national burn community for over 800 attendees!

Please take a moment and join us in thanking them.  Connect to their website and let them know how much you appreciate their support for making Phoenix Society’s 2013 World Burn Congress possible!

Phoenix Society’s SOAR Training at WBC

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors conducted multiple SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) training sessions at this year’s World Burn Congress 2013.  Phoenix Society’s SOAR is a hospital-based program that provides the transforming power of peer support so that everyone affected by burn injury can make a complete recovery – and resume a productive and fulfilling life.

On Tuesday, October 8th Phoenix Society conducted a SOAR Instructor training class and welcomed Massachusetts General Hospital and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Burn Center’s newest instructors to the SOAR family!

Phoenix Society offers SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) Instructor training at its World Burn Congress 2013

On Wednesday, October 9th, we held one of our largest Coordinator training classes to-date, with a broad attendance of hospitals & burn centers from across the country including:
– Rhode Island Hospital Burn Center / Hasbro Children’s Hospital
– Brigham & Women’s Hospital Burn Center
– Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
– UC San Diego Regional Burn Center
– University of Iowa Burn Center
– Oregon Burn Center
– University of Colorado Hospital Burn Center
– St. Barnabas Medical Center
– Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center
– Shriners Hospitals For Children Galveston
– Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Center / Foothills Medical Center
– Tampa Bay Regional Burn Center
– Rhode Island Hospital
– Ohio State University Medical Center
– Community Regional Medical Center
– New York Presbyterian Hospital

We also welcome the volunteers who attended the SOAR Peer Supporter training on Wednesday, October 9th.  These peer supporters are based out of the following hospitals:
– Massachusetts General Hospital
– Brigham & Women’s Hospital Burn Center
– St. Barnabas Medical Center
– University of Michigan Health Systems
– Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Center /Foothills Medical Center
– University of Texas Medical Branch
– UC Davis Regional Burn Center
– Rhode Island Hospital Burn Center

Phoenix Society welcomes them to the program and the SOAR hospital network across the country! This training is part of the Phoenix Society’s ongoing commitment to provide peer support to burn survivors and their families as they recover from burn injury. The instructors, coordinators, and peer supporters are crucial roles in providing the peer support program for survivors and their loved ones. For more information on Phoenix Society’s SOAR program go to http://www.phoenix-society.org/programs/soar

Young Adult Workshop – Where are You At? Where Do You Want to Go?

Today’s Young Adult Workshop was all about where you’re at and where you want to go. YAW focused on a range of topics faced by young adult survivors, from independence and celebrating who you are; to finding your personal journey and where you want to be. This workshop brought together 18-25 year-olds who are ready to support one another, have fun, and talk about where they are going next.

Starting today, in the first part of the Young Adult Workshop, survivors talked more about the “personal journey” (celebrating who you are, but also getting to who/where you want to be). Our time together continues in activities Thursday evening, workshop part 2 on Friday (lunchtime for registered workshop participants), and during support groups (support groups open to all young adults).

Today, in two separate breakout tracks, we looked at confidence, goals, and support. One group focused on becoming role models within and for the burn survivor community. Look for them mentoring at UBelong, speaking at Open Mic, and reaching out to fellow conference survivors!

“Becoming an Effective Advocate” Workshop Offers Important Tips for Promoting the Cause

Becoming and Effective Advocate: Get Attention for the Cause Through Public Speaking, Politicians, and the Press

Brad Phillips is conducting a full-day, interactive workshop today for new and experienced advocates. (Pre-registration required).

Brad Phillips, president of Phillips Media Relations. author of The Media Training Bible and the Mr. Media Training Blog, and former ABC News and CNN journalist, is here today offering his extensive experience and renowned advice to World Burn Congress attendees interested in becoming Phoenix Society Advocates.

Attendees are learning how to attract media attention and deliver a memorable media interview, how to create and deliver a compelling speech, and how to convince lawmakers to join their efforts.

This workshop is full of energy and fun, and is teaching numerous techniques to the WBC attendees through lecture, video examples, group exercises, and demonstrations.

The “Becoming an Effective Advocate” workshop is focused on becoming a Phoenix Society Advocate and the home fire sprinkler issue, but those advocating for other issues and causes are also learning critical tips for improving their efforts as well.

Thank you to our workshop attendees for getting involved and helping bring attention to the cause!