Central CA Regional Message – February 2022
My name is McKenzie Dern and I am the Regional Manager for Central California. Below is my message to you for the month of February 2022.
Hello Central California Burn Survivors and Supporters,
We have a lot of happening this month! The Adult Retreat and Young Adult Summit are just around the corner on February 18-21. I’m super excited to be leading this month’s Art Expression – I hope that you will join me!
I’m also excited to share that registration is now open for the Women’s Empowerment Weekend, scheduled for March. Please remember, I’m here to answer any questions you may have. Happy February!
If you are a burn survivor and family member and wish to be added to our monthly email, please email [email protected] and indicate your region.
Art Expression
February 24, 2022
Join us for the first Art Expression session of the year where we will be exploring the ancient art of Kintsugi with me, McKenzie “Bubbles” Dern. Art Expression will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 7:00pm PT via Zoom.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.
All burn survivors, family members and supporters are welcome to attend this session. Reservations are due by February 11, 2022, so we have time to mail out your kit!
Click here to register.
Central and Southern California Ski Trip
March 4-6, 2022
The AARBF Central California and Southern California offices host an annual ski trip weekend with the generous support from China Peak Resort, and the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation. This event is open to 25 burn survivors 7-17 years old. The Ski trips are an opportunity to learn a new skill, feel a sense of accomplishment and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Our goal is for each participant to experience a traditional fun-filled weekend of laughter, games, s’mores with their friends.
Click here to register and for additional information to help you plan for this weekend activity.
Women's Empowerment Weekend
March 19-20, 2022
This is a new burn survivor program created by Cindy Rutter and Dr. Ruth Rimmer. This retreat is specially designed for women burn survivors ages 21+. It will focus on issues specific to women, including topics such as body image and intimacy. Join us for a weekend full of love, connection and community – with women supporting women.
Click here to register and for additional information on how to plan for this weekend activity.
February Survivor Events
Young Adult Summit (YAS) – February 18-21, 2022
The Adult Retreat – February 18-21, 2022
Space for both of these weekend activities are limited. Registration closes February 4, 2022.
February Support Groups
Fresno Community Regional Medical Center – February 8, 2022 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact me at [email protected] to register.
Caregiver – February 3, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online state-wide support group for family members, care givers and loved ones of burn survivors. This group is closed to burn survivors. To register, please contact Daniel Chacon at [email protected].
Spanish Speaking – February 15, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online support group specifically designed for Spanish-speaking burn survivors. Contact Margarita Rodriguez at [email protected] to register.
Statewide – February 17, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online support group open to both burn survivors and their loved ones throughout California. To register, please contact Daniel Chacon at [email protected].
Peer Support – Not everyone is comfortable in a group setting, which is why the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation offers one-on-one Peer Support. Peer Support is a power tool for healing from a burn trauma. There is something magical that happens when one survivor sits and shares their experience and healing process with another. Peer support can relieve the feeling of being all alone in your experience. Peer support can come in many forms; a burn survivor talking to another burn survivor, a parent talking to another parent or loved one. This service is not limited to burn survivors. A burn injury can affect the entire family, caregivers and other loved ones. Contact me at [email protected] to get started today.
Back to School Support (available upon request) – Contact me at [email protected] to learn more about this program.
Featured Videos
AARBF’s Multimedia Resource Library includes tip sheets, videos, stories, and so much more. Video content within the library has been developed by the AARBF Community; including our staff, volunteers, burn survivors and community partners! Below are our featured videos for February!
Cooking
Follow along with Pete as he demonstrates a simple recipe that all the firefighters at the firehouse loved. He made this video to show other burn survivors how to not let physical disabilities limit what you might want to do.
Managing Anxiety
We all have times that we feel nervous or anxious. This video will help give you practical advise on how to manage your anxiety.
Belly Dancing
Have you ever wanted to try something new? Andalee will help guide you through an introduction to belly dance focusing on the basics of the amazing art form.