VANCOUVER TO HOST WORLD CONGRESS FOR BURN SURVIVORS

Program Highlights

Burn survivors, inspirational speakers, fire fighters, healthcare professionals, caregivers and researchers from around the world congregate to share their stories

October 3-6, 2007 Vancouver hosts The Phoenix Society's 19th Annual World Burn Congress, co-hosted by the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn, Plastic and Trauma Unit at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children's Hospital Burn Program.

With the theme "Recover. Renew. Return." over 650 burn survivors and industry professionals from seven countries gather for the annual event to share their stories, heal together, listen to inspirational speakers and learn about the latest developments in burn care.

This is an opportunity for media to interview burn community leaders, authors, researchers and survivors - to share with the public their stories and the incredible resources available to burn survivors throughout the world.

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors (www.phoenix-society.org) located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a 30-year legacy of assisting burn survivors in all phases of their recovery. As the United States' premier burn survivor resource, the Phoenix Society is committed to helping individuals find outstanding medical care and help provide support for emotional and social recovery following a burn injury so they can return to a full life.

PROGRAM AND SESSION HIGHLIGHTS:

9-10 am, October 4, Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Opening Ceremony

BC fire fighters, caregivers and local burn survivors welcome more than 650 guests from around the world.

Photo opportunity: Vancouver Fire Fighters' Band leading procession, Colour Guard, Honor Guard, Pipers, and the fire fighters, healthcare professionals, burn survivors and their families from British Columbia.   Flag procession of all participating nations. National Anthems sung by Andy Greenwood, Vancouver Fire Fighters' Band.

Keynote Speeches:

10.15-11.15 AM, October 4, Westin Bayshore

Vivian Pellas

Sixteen years ago, Vivian Pellas was burned in an aviation accident. While still in hospital, she decided that if she survived her injuries, she would dedicate her life to help burned children in Nicaragua. She opened a Burn Hospital for Central America in Managua, Nicaragua offering free specialized medical care to children. "[Hers] is a story of love and solidarity without limits. She is a persevering woman, a humble philanthropist, simple, with a beauty in the soul that is reflected in her saint like face and a smile that is a balm for the burnt children of Nicaragua, who see in her their guardian angel." Source: Honduras This Week

9-10 AM, October 5, Westin Bayshore

George Pessotti

George Pessotti's life changed with the puff of gas from a kitchen stove that ignited the gasoline that he poured on a floor to remove carpet glue. He shared his experience in his book Reason for Living, published in 2005. The session will take the audience on a roller coaster ride of survival. A gripping, inspiring true story.

9-10 AM, October 6, Westin Bayshore

Kim Phuc

The photo of a little girl, crying and running naked - her skin burning - along a road became one of the most famous images of the Vietnam war. Kim Phuc shares her inspirational message of love and forgiveness to the World Burn Congress delegates.