This event serves as a focal point for individuals and community organizations that support critical programs for burn survivors.
Grand Rapids, Michigan (PRWEB) September 16, 2015
A severe burn can be one of the most complex injuries that a family can experience both physically and emotionally. Twenty to thirty years ago, those like Abby Fisk, who was injured in 2008 at the age of eight, most likely would not have survived. With improved medical care provided by burn centers, she did survive. Abby and her mom first experienced Phoenix World Burn Congress in 2014 and it was a transformational experience in their recovery. "It showed me that I wasn't alone in dealing with physical scars and the emotional challenges of socializing with my peers,” says Abby, “Now I have others to turn to who truly understand.”
From October 21-24, 2015, more than 900 burn survivors, their families, burn care professionals and firefighters will attend the Phoenix World Burn Congress held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown to share their experiences with other survivors, increase their knowledge about recovery, and learn about support networks.
“We are committed to ensuring that every burn survivor and their loved ones have the necessary support and resources they need to recover and live their lives to the fullest,” said Amy Acton, executive director, Phoenix Society. “We are excited to bring this life-changing program to Indianapolis in partnership with our lead sponsors Eskenazi Health, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and Tyco, giving more survivors and families in the Midwest and throughout the nation an unparalleled network of support and inspiration needed to thrive after a burn injury,” she said.
Acton noted that recovery starts with the emergency response from fire personnel and medical services provided at the local hospital. However, the surrounding community plays a critical role in a survivor’s road to recovery. “This event serves as a focal point for individuals and community organizations that support critical programs for burn survivors,” said Acton. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the success stories in every corner of Phoenix World Burn Congress.”
“While we can provide excellent medical care in the hospital to save a burn victim’s life, the emotional and social support they receive after they are discharged makes a significant difference in their recovery,” said Dr. Rajiv Sood, medical director of the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health and the pediatric Speedway Burn Center at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. “Phoenix Society World Burn Congress provides a venue where burn survivors can regain their confidence and obtain valuable education and resources to help them heal.”
“Riley at IU Health looks forward to welcoming the Phoenix World Burn Congress next month,“ said Dr. Paul Haut, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health interim president and chief medical officer. “As Indiana’s only pediatric burn center, our team of physicians, nurses, child life therapists and others, led by Dr. Sood, places priority on both physical and emotional healing. We recognize that the Congress is a significant event that helps patients and their families with the journey of recovery.”
During the four-day conference, sessions will cover topics ranging from social challenges such as dealing with anxiety and psychological pain after hospital discharge, a young adult program to help survivors ages 18-25 build confidence, fostering personal growth and enhancing communication skills. A special youth and family program for children from 7 to 17 years old will help family members learn how a burn injury impacts the overall family structure. Burn survivors can also attend a private creative cosmetics and color analysis consultation. In addition, survivors can gain knowledge about advocacy roles they can play to raise awareness about the need for quality care and burn prevention. A special Walk of Remembrance is also planned during the conference to pay tribute to the over 3,240 lives lost to burn injury last year (NFPA).
For more information about attending the Phoenix World Burn Congress or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or supporting the attendee scholarship fund, contact the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors at 800-888-2876 or email us at info@phoenix-society.org
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The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors - People who suffer burn injuries often have a challenging time getting back to living. The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors helps them do exactly that. For more than 35 years, the Phoenix Society has worked with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, the fire industry and donors to support burn recovery, improve the quality of burn care, and prevent burn injuries. We are the only national non-profit organization helping survivors meet their challenges with the community support and the tools they need to thrive again. The Phoenix Society, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, takes its name from the legendary bird that is consumed by flame but rises again, more vibrant than before. To learn more, visit http://www.phoenix-society.org.