Written on March 10, 2020
“You are not alone” is more than a phrase, it’s what we stand for. Together, we’re all walking an uncertain path - frankly, a path that burn survivors know all too well.
If you would have asked us how we thought the first few months of 2020 would go, we could never have predicted this - and although we can’t predict what’s to come in the next day, week, or month, what we do know is that community is greater than isolation and no one should have to recover alone.
Learn more about our COVID-19 response here.
You’ve probably noticed our new website, which was built with you in mind. We believe everyone impacted by a burn injury should have access to a supportive community and reliable, expert information. Our new Resource Center is a growing collection of survivor stories, fact sheets, online courses, and more.
We’re always accepting submissions from our community. You can submit a resource or share your story through our Virtual Open Mic.
We are offering survivors and loved ones two new ways to connect from anywhere in the world, with just a phone or similar device.
Burn survivors and their loved ones from around the world can join together for a weekly virtual support group. The group meets through WebEx, a secure video conference platform, in which users can use a webcam and phone to connect. For participants located outside of the United States, there are international call-in numbers. Learn more and sign up for the group here!
We're responding to the community's request to offer virtual (webcam-based) gatherings for kids, teens, and their grown-ups. Similar to Virtual Support Group, the group meets through WebEx, a secure video conference platform, in which users can use a webcam and phone to connect. Learn more and sign up here!
Combine online learning with community support in this new opportunity. If you or a loved one were recently injured, or if you have ever thought you could use help increasing your confidence in social situations, then we encourage you to join our next group meeting. Sign up and learn more here!
Drop in and say hi, see what others are up to, and check-in with fellow members of the burn community! Our bi-weekly Burn Community Drop In is a great way for anyone within the burn community to connect with your fellow community members. Join our virtual open space and learn more here.
Honor a current or past volunteer from the burn community by nominating them for the Edge Servant Leadership Award! This award is in memory of long-time volunteer Tom Edge and recognizes a selfless leader in our community. We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 award – Learn more here.
We’ll announce the award recipient during National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25, 2020).
As we continue to expand and transform our programs, Phoenix Society has decided to discontinue the George Pessotti Scholarship Fund to focus our resources on underwriting the costs of our programs and meeting the growing needs of the burn community worldwide. This will also allow our staff to devote more resources to high-impact programs as we work to keep Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC) accessible to all through the support of our partners.
If you are looking for financial support to attend the conference, be sure to check out these resources. If you aren’t able to be with us in Rhode Island, you can participate in the virtual streaming and connection opportunities for free.
Special thanks to George Pessotti for his ongoing support and to those who have contributed to the scholarship fund in the past. Our philanthropic partners help make Phoenix WBC possible and allow us to offer registration to our attendees at well below the actual cost. Learn more about ways to support Phoenix Society and Phoenix WBC here.
We’re also happy to announce that we have selected our Friday Keynote Speaker for this year’s conference - Eduardo Garcia! Learn more about Eduardo and his journey here.
It’s also never too early to start preparing for your trip to this year’s conference – Our room block at the conference hotel is now open. We know future travel may be uncertain, so please note that the Omni Providence cancellation policy allows guests to cancel up to 48-hours prior to their check-in.
Coming Soon: Details on Phoenix WBC 2021! Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter (below) and follow us on Facebook for the dates and location details on next year’s conference.
for the latest updates on Phoenix Society, virtual offerings, and more!