My name is Daniel Chacon and I am the Executive Director. Below is my message to you for the month of October 2022.

Happy Autumn! I am excited about the 50th Anniversary Celebration taking place this month on October 15th. If you are unable to join us, you can still participate in the fun! See the information below.

I also have some news to share with you. On September 15th, we said a very fond farewell to Margarita Rodriguez, Senior Regional Manager for Southern California. Margarita had been a key staff member of AARBF for over 14 years and will be greatly missed. During this transitional period, we ask that you reach out to [email protected] for assistance.

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.

October 27, 2022

Save the date for the next Expression Session – Art Expression, scheduled for the fourth Thursday in October at 7:00pm via Zoom.

October 15, 2022

If you’re unable to join us in-person for our 50th Anniversary Celebration in Southern California, you can still get in on the fun by participating in our virtual auction. The auction opens today, October 1st and will close during the in-person event on October 15th. Those attending in-person will be able to see the items available, but will still use the online platform to bid.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.aarbf.org/50th-anniversary-celebration/.

December 10, 2022

The Dinner & Dance is returning to Clovis! If you plan to be in the area, we invite you to join us in December. Space for this event is limited and we sold out early last year. So, round up your friends and join us! Visit our website at https://www.aarbf.org/dinner-and-dance-2022/ to learn more.

Southern California – September 11, 2022 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. 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 us at [email protected] to register.

Caregiver – September 1, 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 Scott Wertz at [email protected].

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

Statewide – September 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 us at [email protected] to learn more about this program.