“To help every burn survivor live life to the fullest without limitations, fear, or insecurity.”
That is the mission of Burns Recovered, a St. Louis-based agency that provides support, healing and hope to burn survivors throughout their journey. Since 1983, Burns Recovered has partnered with area hospitals, fire departments, and many others to support burn survivors. Our services include:
· Midwest Children’s Burn Camp (MCBC), which provides a unique summer camp experience for children who have survived severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Individualized and group peer support for burn survivors and their families throughout Missouri and Kansas. · The Changing Times retreat program, which focuses on the special needs of young adult burn survivors, ages 18-25.
· Housing support for families during the hospitalization of a burn survivor.
· A scholarship fund for burn survivors.
· A holiday giving program for burn survivors and their families.
· Outreach geared towards schools, senior communities and community organizations focused on preventing burn injuries.
During this time of pandemic, we are particularly focused on the young people we serve. Research indicates that burn injured children are much more likely than their peers to experience significantly lower feelings of self-worth, difficulty with peer relations, issues coping with societal reactions to their disfigurement, and decreased physical activities/participation in activities.
Since all of the campers at MCBC are burn survivors, their physical ability can vary from child to child. Some have lost ears, nose, hair or even fingers, toes, or limbs. We seek to help each child find comfort with who they are and to give the unconditional love and support they deserve.
Listen: Burns Recovered Director of Youth Programs Madeleine Carson on Total Information AM Weekend
Additionally, more than 60 percent of our youth live at or below the Federal Poverty Level. Many are struggling with the cost of medical bills and treatments. We remain steadfast that no camper should have to pay to attend this one-week, residential camp program.
You can help us make a difference in the life of a burn survivor! This holiday season, we will provide each of our youth with a gift to be opened during a virtual party and provide non-perishable food baskets for their families. We will also be collecting funds to purchase new equipment for camp and to secure bus transportation for our campers.
To learn more about Burns Recovered or to make a donation, go to www.brsg.org.