Helping Kids Heal – One Classroom at a Time

It was a sweltering summer day when Nicole, ABF’s Client Care Programs Administrator, arrived at an East Valley elementary school with a special guest: Alan the sloth. They were there to meet a group of second graders as part of ABF’s school re-entry program, which helps young burn survivors reintegrate into school life with confidence and support.

Alan’s Story: A Lesson in Fire Safety

Once the children were settled, Nicole opened a book titled Alan Goes to School. It tells the story Alan, a sloth who was injured while helping his dad test out a fire pit for a Father’s Day pig roast. The family had spent days preparing – digging, laying bricks, and setting up the perfect pit. But the night before the celebration, a sudden flame erupted in Alan’s face when he tried to toss a piece of paper into the fire.

As Nicole finished reading, she let the second graders know that Alan’s story mirrored that of one of their classmates – Alex.

Meet Alex: A Real-Life Hero

At just seven years old, Alex had experienced a traumatic burn injury. While helping his family prepare for Father’s Day, a flame exploded when he threw paper into the fire pit. His dad rushed him inside, trying to soothe the burns on his face. His mom rushed home, unsure of the severity, but guided by intuition. Neighbors later shared they had heard screams and smelled burnt hair.

The Road to Recovery

Alex suffered burns on his cheeks, chin, and forehead. He was first taken to a nearby hospital, then transferred by ambulance to the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix. The weeks that followed were challenging – frequent treatments, painful wound care every four hours and persistent nightmares. He often asks his mom, “Do my scars look better today?” And they do.

ABF’s Impact

When Lacey first heard about ABF at the hospital, it didn’t immediately register that a nonprofit like ABF existed. But as time passed, she learned about the school re-entry program – something Alex wanted to take advantage of. He was nervous about returning to school with visible scars, and ABF’s program offered a way to ease that transition.

During the classroom visit, Nicole also introduced Alan’s friends – Milo the Corgi and Moxie the Hummingbird, ABF’s Smart Safety Rangers, to teach the kids fire safety in a fun and engaging way.

Alex’s classmates promised to be kind friends and when Alex got home that day, he proudly showed off Alan the sloth, telling his siblings, “They made a book about me!”

ABF’s school re-entry visits are emotional—but vital. They help survivors feel seen, supported and less alone. For Alex and his family, it was another step in the healing journey. And ABF will be there for every step that follows.