NATIONAL BURN SURVIVOR GATHERINGS
Every two years, the Foundation coordinates and funds a group of burn survivors, families, firefighters, and medical professionals to attend the Phoenix World Burn Congress — the world’s largest gathering of the burn community.
For survivors, it’s a life-changing experience — a place to share stories, learn, and connect with others who understand. Workshops, speakers, and small group sessions focus on resilience, healing, and reclaiming life after injury.
For medical professionals and firefighters, it offers something rare: the chance to learn directly from survivors and gain deeper insight into what true recovery looks like. By bringing these groups together, the Foundation helps bridge the gap between care and community — creating a network of empathy and understanding that transforms lives.
“Every hug, every story, every laugh shared here reminds me that survival isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning. Here, I’m not defined by my scars but by the strength they represent.”
Oak Bay CA Fire Chief Gerry Adam, left, and Yogi Schreiber of Baltimore County Fire, both retired, present James “Jimmy” DiGregory from the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation with the Joe Hickey Fire Service Award at the Phoenix World Burn Congress opening ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2019.
“Being here reminds me why we do what we do. Hearing survivors share their journeys brings every call, every risk, into focus — it’s about helping people find their way back to life after the fire.”
