Healing Together: How Camp Connection Builds Stronger Bonds for Burn Survivors

Diana and Jeff have known each other for 52 years, been together for 32 and married for 23. Like many long-term couples, they faced challenges that began to pull them apart. Diana’s accident in October 2023 was a turning point. She had been struggling with personal challenges, and one night, while Diana and Jeff were attempting to reconnect by their backyard fire, an argument led to Jeff retreating inside. When Diana was ready to turn in for the night, she got up, tripped and fell backwards into the flames.

No one heard her screams. She managed to lift herself out of the fire and used the outdoor hose to douse the flames. Jeff, alerted by the smell, found her smothered in smoke. Diana was airlifted to the Arizona Burn Center, where she spent five months heavily sedated. During that time, Diana was heavily sedated and near death twice due to complications.

For Jeff, it was heartbreaking to see Diana suffer. “I’ve been an auto technician for most of my life, and I can fix most anything, just not her,” said Jeff. Not only was he facing those fears, but he was overwhelmed with questions and paperwork for Diana’s medical care.

“I was in shock and in total panic mode,” Jeff recalled. “Vanessa [ABF’s Burn Care Support Coordinator] came to my rescue and went through the resources available to me during this time. She was a welcome change to the chaos and made a great impact on my journey.”

Five months later, Diana woke up with tubes coming out of her body, terrified and with no memory of the accident. She underwent months of physical, occupational and speech therapy to re-learn basic skills. More surgeries followed. During this time, she learned about ABF and how the team had supported Jeff. ABF continued to answer questions, provide emotional support and lodging during their frequent trips from rural Arizona for check-ups.

This past April, Diana was released from outpatient care to continue healing with the support of the Arizona Burn Foundation. The couple recently attended ABF’s Camp Connection, a couple’s weekend retreat at El Conquistador in Tucson. Camps are a critical component of ABF’s Thrive Programs, offering tailored social gatherings and development opportunities where organic peer-to-peer support can take place through therapy, healing sessions, and perhaps most importantly… fun.

For both, it was a weekend to open up to one another and they were particularly moved by open mic night. “For me, open-mic night was the best because I was able to hear others’ stories of their accidents and how they had to deal with their circumstances and healing,” said Diana.

The couple encourages other burn survivors and their partners to take advantage of these meaningful programs. “We believe that the support of others, both the survivors and their partners, have much to share with us,” said Diana. “Our honesty and openness with each other help to create a strong group of support, kindness, and togetherness. We’re not alone.”

For Jeff, these experiences means that “you’re not alone on this journey and you are a survivor, not a victim.”

That is exactly what ABF’s Thrive Programs are all about – bridging the gap from injury to recovery, helping burn survivors not just survive, but thrive. Today, Diana and Jeff are stronger than ever. Their journey, both together and separately, has given them a second chance.