World’s Largest Burn Survivor Conference to Take Place in September

Aug. 20, 2018
The Phoenix World Burn Congress will feature powerful keynote speeches in Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 12-15.

August 9, 2018 – Every year, more than 486,000 burn injuries receive medical treatment in the U.S., due to recent medical advances, more than 96% of those treated in a burn center will survive (American Burn Association.) Understanding that survival is not enough, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the leading national non-profit dedicated to empowering burn survivors, will be welcoming over 1,000 members of the burn survivor community for the Phoenix World Burn Congress from September 12-15, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Phoenix World Burn Congress, which is the world’s largest gathering of the burn community, is a life-changing event that unites burn survivors, their families, medical professionals, and first responders to share stories, provide support, and increase knowledge of burn recovery. The conference has had a huge impact on past attendees, including Kechi Okwuchi, one of two survivors in the Sosoliso Airlines crash in 2005 and finalist in the twelfth season of America’s Got Talent.

“Up until the Phoenix World Burn Congress, I had only seen fellow patients. During the conference, I got exposure to people who have gone through their treatment and were now trying to live their lives normally,” said Okwuchi. “It gave me hope about my future.”

Understanding that there is now a larger demand for long-term burn recovery resources, Phoenix Society has built a community that supports lifelong healing for burn survivors. Since 1977, the organization has developed a variety of national programs that help promote healing physically, emotionally and socially. The Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program, which provides peer support for burn survivors, is currently in over 70 hospitals across North America, giving 12,800 patients access to local support.

This year’s Phoenix World Burn Congress will feature powerful keynote speeches from burn survivors and those who have overcome difficult life challenges. Dennis J. Gardin, a burn survivor who received burn injuries over 70% of his body in a gasoline explosion as a child, will deliver his “It Takes a Village” (The Journey from Victim to Survivor) speech that focuses on fulfilling life after the burn. Samoana Matagi, who suffered an electrocution burn, causing his hands to be amputated, will be talking about how he regained his identity after multiple failures in his “Fear of Failure Conquered a Secret Force Inside All of Us, Resilience!”speech.

“Phoenix World Burn Congress is an opportunity for burn survivors and their families to connect, heal and unite with those who are on a similar journey,” said Amy Acton, a burn survivor and Executive Director of the Phoenix Society. “There is nothing more inspiring than seeing people from across the world come together to support one another.”

A Walk of Remembrance will be held on September 13, 2018 to mark the beginning of the conference and to honor those lost to burn injuries.

Registration for the Phoenix World Burn Congress can be completed here. New this year, those who are unable to attend or travel to Grand Rapids for the conference have the option to attend virtually. The virtual experience can be live streamed to a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

About Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

In the U.S., 40,000 people are hospitalized with burn injuries each year. Burn survivors and their loved ones face a lifelong journey ;of physical, emotional, and social recovery. Connecting with others who have walked a similar path is essential to optimal recovery and social reintegration. Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national non-profit dedicated to empowering burn survivors and their;families at all points of recovery. Since 1977, Phoenix Society has worked with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and first responders to support burn recovery, improve the quality of burn care, and prevent burn injuries. For more information, visit www.phoenix-society.org.

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