Program Chairman Jim Pontello introduced his first speaker of the new Presidential year and she was on fire. Not really, but she did speak about the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. Our guest speaker was Jan Share, Operations Manager of the Southern California office of the foundation. The history of the organization began years ago. In 1971 a devastating backyard fire broke out at eight year old Alisa Ann’s home. Her little brother sat down in the yard and rolled to stop the flames but Alisa Ann ran inside to her mother. She was so badly burned she did not survive. The family decided to start the foundation in her name with the goal of helping young burn survivors get through the horror of recovery after being burned. The foundation connects them with resources for coping with and managing their injuries. Dealing with disfigurement and rebuilding ones own self confidence is a daunting task but with the help of thousands of volunteers statewide and numerous fund raising efforts, it is being accomplished. Support groups are provided for burn survivors, their loved-ones, care givers and burn care professionals.

Jan played a short video, which showed many ways the quality of life is enhanced for these young survivors. The organization stages field trips, ski trips, kayak trips, beach adventures, and family camps. Just last month the organization sent 144 kids to the Largest Burn Camp in the country where the kids stay for one full week. When kids reach the age of fifteen they transition into the Young Adult Summit where they can learn about things like fixing cars and writing resumes for future employment. Once they reach seventeen or eighteen they become a C.I.T., counselor in training.

The Alisa Ann Ruch Foundation partners with Hospitals and Burn Centers, Fire Departments and Schools and Community Groups to get the word out about fire safety and training. They have developed the F.I.S.E., Firefighters in Safety Education, which teaches kids that “It Only Takes A Second” to change your life forever. Jan says all funds are raised through relays, grants, and donations. She pointed out to always have a plan for escape, know your surroundings and use caution when cooking on the stove or heating soup.

Thanks Jan for a great subject to talk about, Burn Safety.

(Pat Dolphin)