My name is Andrew Mersmann and I am the Director of Programs and Services. Below is my message to you for the month of December 2022.

Hello and Happy December to our amazing AARBF community of survivors, loved ones, and volunteers! This season is so infused with gratitude and we are, more than you know, beyond grateful for you being part of our family.

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.

December 4, 2022

December is a time for gathering, and we would be thrilled to have you join us at the Southern California Holiday Party on Sunday, December 4, from 11:00am – 2:00pm. This year we gather at the Shrine Auditorium (at USC) Dining Room (2nd floor) to connect, enjoy good food, holiday craft stations, and stop by Santa’s super-secret zone where every kid takes home a toy. All ages are welcome to come on your own or bring the family—we just all want to be together! Be sure to register today at: https://forms.gle/J3hMYP1TBxsoHe2HA

**And, of course, SoCal Volunteers—you are such an important part of this end-of-year celebration. Reach out today to sign up and help us make it a great success! [email protected]

December 10, 2022

If you want to put a few miles on your sleigh, head north to Clovis for one of the biggest celebrations of the year, the Dinner & Dance on Saturday, December 10. https://www.aarbf.org/dinner-and-dance-2022/ Be sure to register right away—this event reached maximum capacity last year!

Southern California – With our Southern California HOLIDAY PARTY happening on Sunday, December 4, that means we will push the SoCal support group one week to occur on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. This is a live 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 – December 1, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online state-wide support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of burn survivors. This group is closed to burn survivors. To register, please contact Scott Wertz at [email protected].

Spanish Speaking – December 20, 2022 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is an online support group specifically designed for Spanish-speaking burn survivors. Contact me at [email protected] to register.

Statewide – December 15, 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 Scott Wertz 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.