Help, hope, and healing beyond the burn

The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation has helped me grow into the person I am now. Through all the programs that are provided I learned that I am unstoppable and can do anything I put my mind to; with that I am working towards being a firefighter

I volunteer because I want to give back to the burn community in the way volunteers helpful me when I was a camper. The people and community are my family. It is an accepting place and helps individuals grow.

I don’t know where I would be if it had not been for the GFBF, and I am honored to be a part of their family.

The programs that are and were offered by GFBF touched so many lives, including mine. I still have the newspaper articles from when I participated in boot drives, camp activities and awards received. I keep in touch with the children now adults with their own kids that we were able to share times at camp with.

My life before the GFBF wasn’t one worth celebrating. I emotionally locked myself away from society. Believing that I was someone not worth caring for, I became lonely. It wasn’t until the GFBF became a big part of my life that I started to learn that I not only could be myself, but that I am pretty awesome! I learned I am worth a lot more then what others think of me. I love the GFBF and I love the person they have helped me to become, “myself”.

I volunteer at camp because I believe that everyone deserves a role model and a place where they are valued and seen.

The programs have been extremely beneficial for our burn survivor. Through the camp, she met others who were like her. She went the first year as a young girl who knew no other burn survivors and returned the last year as a young lady who had learned how to deal with life and the obstacles she may face. The reunions give us, as caregivers, the opportunity to meet other caregivers and share experiences. It is refreshing to be with others who understand your life.

I volunteer because I was in those kids’ shoes not too long ago and I remember the impact of each volunteer. If I can help make their journey a little less scary, then I want to be a part of that.

The GFBF made a difference in my life from the moment I stepped foot into Camp Oo-U-La. Teaching me life skills that I could take along my Survivor journey and putting me in leadership positions that showed me my potential. The programs like the Young Adult retreat and World Burn gave me different opportunities to travel and meet people from all different walks of life. Showing me that there is a beautiful life to live after fire trauma, it’s just up to us as survivors to go out there and live it.

I enjoy giving back and going to camp. It is a great feeling knowing that I can help enhance the experience of the campers. It is very rewarding!