The Arizona Burn Foundation was once known as the Foundation for Burns and Trauma—and for Joe Burnside, that distinction matters. Joe was just 12 years old when he suffered a severe leg injury while playing baseball. After sliding into home plate, the pitcher—and his cleat—landed on Joe’s leg, slicing it open. Joe remembers seeing his […]
“What people don’t understand is that when you’re in that much pain, it’s hard to even talk,” said Michelle, reflecting on when she first met the ABF team. Much of that time is still a blur due to the amount of medication she was on. She remembers not wanting visitors—and the isolation of being hospitalized […]
Angel Perez. Miranda Snyder. Matt Fischer. Different paths, shared purpose—each is a beloved member of the Camp Courage family and this year’s award recipients, selected by the camp’s core committee and celebrated during Friday evening’s closing ceremony. Camper of the Year: Angel Perez Angel spent the week embodying the spirit of Camp Courage—building confidence and […]
Conquering the Canyon is a Rim‑to‑River Grand Canyon hike, hosted by burn survivor and former ABF Board Chair Jason Nelson, where participants take on one of nature’s toughest challenges to raise funds and awareness for burn survivors and their families. Each step of this journey is fueled by purpose. Meet the ten incredible hikers taking […]
For burn survivors, healing doesn’t stop when the wounds close. The Arizona Burn Foundation focuses on what comes next… confidence, connection and community. Recently, we welcomed eight young adult burn survivors to Sedona, Arizona for Camp Thrive. From yoga sessions and vision board workshops to shared meals and open conversations, Camp Thrive offers these survivors […]
Recovery from a burn injury isn’t linear. Sometimes, the journey even comes full circle. That’s exactly the case for Rebecca Riffel. A Life-changing Injury – and an Unexpected Invitation As a middle schooler, Becca’s pajamas caught on fire from a nearby candle, leaving her with third-degree burns on 17% of her body. During her recovery, […]
When 15-year-old Ella stepped onto the plane this October with Tempe Firefighter, Nikki, she was carrying more than a suitcase. She carried the resilience and courage that earned her the title of the Arizona Burn Foundation’s 2025 Camper of the Year and the perfect representative for ABF at the International Association of Firefighter’s (IAFF) International […]
Armed with drills, ladders, and compassion, ABF, our partners and volunteers spend their Saturday mornings knocking on doors, installing alarms, and empowering their neighbors to keep their community safe. Each new smoke alarm represents not just safety — but hope. Hope that spreads from doorstep to doorstep as ABF and partners hit the ground in […]
“Terrance has been hit by a car!” They’re words no parent ever wants to hear. Just over a year ago, those were the exact words that Terrance’s family heard when his best friend ran into their house, panicked. The two boys had been playing outside when tragedy struck – nine-year-old Terrance was accidentally run over […]
Jacob is a courageous 12-year-old from Northeastern Arizona who was recently injured from a flash burn – a burn caused from sudden, intense heat – while burning trash. He suffered burns on his face, ear, and hands, and faced every step of recovery with strength. His treatment took him and his stepdad more than […]
