2026 Bert W. Martin Fall Burn Retreat: A Space to Connect, Reflect & Grow
Thirty-eight burn survivors, caregivers, and providers came together at Airlie in Virginia for this year’s Bert W. Martin Fall Burn Retreat, with participants connected to burn centers including MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Parkland in Dallas, and Denver-area burn units.
Over three days, the retreat offered time to step away from everyday life and spend time with people who understand the burn recovery journey in a way few others can.
The weekend blended meaningful workshops with activities designed to encourage connection, creativity, laughter, and simply being together.
The retreat began with Lt. Joe Morgan, who led “The Power of Recovery – The R.E.C.O.V.E.R. Framework.” His session explored seven elements of recovery — Recognize, Evaluate, Choose, Own, Value, Execute, and Rise — and encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences and the paths they continue to navigate.
Later, the group headed outside for archery and time together around the Airlie property.
On Monday, Kim Roaten, PsyD, from Parkland Burn Unit, led a workshop on Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth, creating space for honest conversation about the effects of trauma and the ways people can continue to grow and find meaning through recovery.
Then came one of the livelier parts of the retreat: an afternoon cooking competition. Chef hats went on, teams got to work, and the afternoon quickly filled with teamwork, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter. The evening wrapped up with card games, conversation, and time to relax together.
The final day began with Daniel Schneider, PsyD, presenting “Beneath the Surface: Navigating Life with Invisible Wounds,” focusing on the challenges that may not always be visible to others but remain an important part of life after burn injury.
Participants then shifted into a creative afternoon with a watercolor class, followed by another opportunity for archery before the retreat came to a close.
But the most meaningful parts of the retreat are often the ones that never make it onto the schedule.
Participant Sharon, who attended with Victor, shared afterward:
“New friendships, connections, and stories help us in our healing journey. If you could have seen and heard the stories, laughs, cries, and bonding that happened between people who were mostly strangers, you would know that it was because of your dedication and compassion for our lives after burns.”
She added that the Foundation has been a “huge part” of their healing journey through opportunities including Crested Butte, World Burn, and the Bert W. Martin Fall Burn Retreat.
That sense of connection is exactly what these retreats are designed to create.
For a few days, burn survivors and caregivers have the opportunity to be surrounded by people who understand — to share experiences, try something new, learn from one another, laugh together, and build relationships that continue long after everyone heads home.
The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation is grateful to the presenters, volunteers, burn center staff, participants, and everyone working behind the scenes who made this year’s Bert W. Martin Fall Burn Retreat possible.
And perhaps Sharon said it best:
“I always feel safe and loved being at these retreats, and am so sad when it’s time to leave.”
That is the kind of community we are proud to help build.
Help us continue creating meaningful opportunities for burn survivors and caregivers to connect, heal, and move forward together.
