Burn Advocates Network

Burn Advocates Network (BAN) is a non-profit organization that supports burn survivors as they face the challenges of recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The organization operates 3 pediatric burn camps and a burn care network.[1] BAN was founded in 2008 and expanded its international activity following the Haiti earthquake, which left an estimated 1,000 burn survivors without proper care.[2]

Burn Advocates Network
Founded2008
FounderSamuel Davis
TypeNon-governmental organization
Location
Area served
6 countries
Websiteburnadvocates.org

Operations

Based in Teaneck New Jersey, Burn Advocates Network operates 3 pediatric burn camps:

  • Camp Sababa - Israel’s first burn camp, was founded in 2009 and operates in cooperation with Schneider Hospital for Children. Camp takes place in Kfar Galim, a youth village outside of Haifa.[3][4]
  • Camp Karma - India's first burn camp, was founded in 2013 and operates in cooperation KEM Hospital. Camp takes place in Rivergate Resort, outside of Mumbai.[5]
  • Camp Samba - Set to launch in São Paulo during summer 2016.[6]

Today there are approximately 60 burn camps worldwide,[7] 31 of them based in the USA and registered at the International Association of Burn Camps.[8] Burn camps typically include accommodation, offer various activities such as arts and crafts, cooking sessions and drumming circles, and are tuition-free for campers. The age of participants varies from 6-18 and the number of participants from 15-100.[9] Several academic studies[10][11][12] have demonstrated that burn survivors who participated in burn camps experienced decreased isolation, improved self-esteem and improved social skills.

BAN also initiated the DR & Haiti Burn Care Network, which seeks to improve burn care and treatment in the region. Since 2010, BAN has treated over 200 burn survivors through 6 medical missions, distributed over 50,000 tons of medical supplies and equipment, and sponsored several surgeons on medical exchange programs.[13][14] In order to improve communication between aid workers and local victims, BAN launched the iOS app "French Creole for Aid Workers" in 2011.[15]

History
Medical mission, Haiti 2011

Founder Samuel Davis, trial lawyer and lecturer, has worked with burn survivors with serious injuries for over 30 years. After witnessing the positive effects of burn camps on his clients, he began sponsoring individual burn survivors from around the world.[16] The local operation quickly expanded into an international organization, following the Haiti earthquake. In 2012, Samuel Davis received the Clarence Darrow Award for his ongoing philanthropic work.[17]

Funding

The organization is funded through private donations and fundraising events. By relying on volunteers and interns, BAN is able to keep its camps free for all participants.[18]

Camp Karma, India 2013
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References
  1. Our Mission, Burn Advocates Network
  2. Disasters; the 2010 Haitian earthquake and the evacuation of burn victims to US burn centers. Randy D. Kearnsa, James. H. Holmes IV.b, Mary Beth Skarotec, Charles B. Cairnsd, Samantha Cooksey Stricklande, Howard G. Smithf, Bruce A. Cairnsg. Burns, Volume 40, Issue 6, September 2014, Pages 1121–1132
  3. At an Israeli Children's Camp, Burn Survivors Find Relief. Haaretz, Alona Ferber, May 01, 2014.
  4. Heal the Scars of the Heart. Channel 10 News, Miki Haimovich, broadcast date: May 3, 2011. YouTube title: Camp Sababa - Israel's Channel 10 News Story (with subtitles)
  5. India’s First Burns Camp for Kids. The Wall Street Journal, Shreya Shah, Oct 23, 2013.
  6. Where We Work, Burn Advocates Network
  7. Maslow, GR; Lobato, D (2010). "Summer camps for children with burn injuries: a literature review". J Burn Care Res. 31: 740–9. doi:10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181eebec4. PMID 20644489.
  8. Our Story, The International Association of Burn Camps (IABC)
  9. Burn-survivor summer camps let kids shake off the stares. USA Today, Natalie DiBlasio, August 28, 2012.
  10. Rimmer, RB; Fornaciari, GM; Foster, KN; Bay, CR; Wadsworth, MM; Wood, M; Caruso, DM (2007). "Impact of a pediatric residential burn camp experience on burn survivors' perceptions of self and attitudes regarding the camp community". J Burn Care Res. 28: 334–41. doi:10.1097/BCR.0B013E318031A0F4. PMID 17351455.
  11. Bakker, A; Van der Heijden, PG; Van Son, MJ; Van de Schoot, R; Van Loey, NE (2011). "Impact of pediatric burn camps on participants' self esteem and body image: an empirical study". Burns. 37: 1317–25. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2011.01.009. PMID 21752547.
  12. Rimmer, RB; Pressman, MS; Takach, OP; Bay, RC; Croteau, R; Hansen, LD; Foster, KN; Caruso, DM (2012). "Burn-injured adolescents report gaining multiple developmental benefits and improved life skills as a result of burn camp attendance". J Burn Care Res. 33: 552–60. doi:10.1097/BCR.0b013e318242ef11. PMID 22210080.
  13. Teaneck lawyer in quest to prevent burns in Haiti. NorthJersey.com, Deena Yellin, September 17, 2011.
  14. Local lawyer expands burn network to Haiti. Jewish Standard, Abigail Klein Leichman, June 25, 2010.
  15. IPhone App Helps Boost Haitian Recovery Efforts. Devex, Ma. Rizza Leonzon, January 19, 2011.
  16. Helping Hands: Tenafly's Sam Davis advocates for burn victims. Bergen.com, February 20, 2013.
  17. Teaneck Rotary Honors Attorney With Humanitarian Award. Teaneck Daily Voice, Melissa Heule, December 02, 2015.
  18. Financials, Burn Advocates Network
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