In 2018, AARBF was approached by Dr. Rimmer and Cindy Rutter (a well-renowned marriage & family therapist & burn survivor) with an urgent desire to address the growing needs of the female burn survivor population. Through years of research and therapeutic conversations, we learned a large percentage of our female burn survivors were silently struggling with issues such as body image, intimacy, relationships, self-esteem, and anxiety. It became apparent that there was a need for better resources and a platform for female survivors to be able to come together to address these unique challenges.
In 2019, AARBF created a pilot program and hosted the first Women’s Empowerment Weekend with 10 female burn survivor participants in Monterey, California. The pilot program was an instant success, and the program grew quickly.
Even when faced with the pandemic and having to adjust all our in-person programming, we successfully converted the Women’s Empowerment Weekend into a virtual format for attendees. This year’s Women Empowerment Weekend will be taking place in April and is expected to have more than 30 female burn survivors in attendance. The weekend will be one full of love, connection, and community, with a focus on women uplifting and empowering other women.
