Survivor Stories

Martha Banks inspired to care for other burn survivors

Martha was burn-injured on a public bus when she was 11 years old in Guadalahara, Mexico. Martha met burn survivor and advocate James Bosch when she was 13. Bosch’s passion for service to the burn community inspired her to follow his path, and today she is a Care Manager at AARBF.

Yaramitt Heredia a journey to confidence sparked at Champ Camp

Meet Yaramitt Heredia, burned over 48% of her body in a backyard firepit accident at age 9. AARBF was with Yara across her journey to confidence-her breakthrough came at Champ Camp where her connection to other survivors opened her to a future full of possibilities

Tremone Fucles committed to making an impact to others

Meet Tremone Fucles scalded in a kitchen accident at 11, he found his home at AARBF Champ Camp. As he grew to adulthood Tremone became an active member of the AARBF community, giving back the love and kindness he experienced to many.

Diane Ruch Host Turning Mourning into a Movement

Losing a child is one of the most tragic events a parent could ever experience. Losing a child, while caring for another burn-injured child is almost unfathomable. This nightmare was her reality.

Miki Mathes “burn victor” and medical doctor

Miki Mathes was burn-injured when she was two years old. At Champ Camp, Miki found a safe and loving community which paved the way to growth from camper to counslor and now Medical Doctor.

Ethan, David and Frani Ruch’s Stories

You may already be familiar with the story of Alisa Ann, a young girl who tragically perished following a backyard barbeque accident. But you may be less familiar with Ethan, David and Frani Ruch, Alisa Ann’s siblings who were deeply impacted by the tragic death of their sister.