Welcome Audra Davis, our new Patient-Family Liaison. She will be working with patients and their families to ensure that the Foundation is responsive to their needs. As the liaison between our offices and the Burn Center's social work department, she will help hos a Peer Support Group for burn survivors on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. For more information, Audra can be reached by calling (706)922-8870.
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Like us on Facebook, and check out the pictures from this year's Heroes Banquet. |
Upcoming Events
April 15
Best Dam Ride
April 19
Board of Directors Meeting
April 20 - 22
Eighth Annual Rodeo Nights
May 10-13 and 17-20
Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue Boot Drive
For more information please contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at:
b.gainey@burnshurtwehelp.org
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Caring by the Numbers
65% of guests who stay at the Chavis House are females. Most are wives, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters who stay near their loved one during while being treated at the Burn Center. |
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Burn Prevention Tip
To reduce the risk of lightning strike when caught outdoors in bad weather:
- Avoid handling metal or electrical objects
- Avoid or stop use of any machines
- Stay out of the water and off of boats
- Lie in a ditch or take cover in a thick grove of trees, lightning is more likely to strike a single tree rather than a large group of trees
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Thanks to your overflowing generosity our toiletries closet is overflowing. We have begun donating extras to local charities like the Salvation Army. We encourage you to do the same!
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The more I practice, the luckier I get.
Gene Sarazen |
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Greetings!
Sometimes deep within our pain lies our purpose. Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation recently recognized the community of Lexington, SC for donations totaling over $1 million. This accomplishment rose from the painful loss of a brave, young firefighter. This community's purpose, achieved over a period of ten years, was realized through the hearts and hands of many. Take time to read about the dedicated foursome who led the effort that has helped thousands of burn patients and families. |
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Courageous Hearts
Linda and Vaden Chavis did not plan to get involved with this Foundation. They found us due to the most unfortunate circumstances. In 2001, their 22-year-old son, Jeffrey, was transported to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center. The waiting room quickly filled with family members, fellow firefighters, friends, and neighbors. When Jeff died, Lexington grieved. With heavy hearts, Linda and Vaden committed to help renovate the Foundation's guest house. Touched by this family's strength and courage, other volunteers rallied. Today "Jeff's house" is host to nearly 1,000 guests each year and the Chavis family continues to inspire us. |
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Heartfelt Dedication
Jeff Chavis was more than a friend to Chief Eddie Turner of the Lexington County Fire Department. He was a fellow firefighter and was engaged to Eddie's daughter. Eddie's response to Jeff's death was to encourage other firefighters to get involved. A man of few words, he became the driving force behind an annual boot drive in Lexington that averages about $50,000 each year. He doesn't stop when the boots are full. He has written grants, solicited corporate donations, and is constantly looking for opportunities to help. Being the humble gentleman that he is, he gives full credit to the firefighters, corporate supporters, and good folks of Lexington who give each year. |
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Hearts on Harleys
Anthony Keisler loves an occasional ride on his Harley through the countryside surrounding Lexington. Don't let his Tommy Bahama shirt and  laid back demeanor fool you. He is a business owner and is currently running for a seat on the County Council. He is also an amazing "fun"raiser. Each year Anthony and a small but mighty group of volunteers plan two fundraising events, a charity motorcycle run and a golf tournament. By mid-summer Anthony begins calling on fellow business owners, customers, family members, and friends. He asks them to help and year after year, they have a tough time saying "No" to this likable Foundation friend. |
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Valiant Hearts
Congratulations to David Dickenson and Cameron Hutcherson, with the Martinez-Columba Fire & Rescue Department!  In February these gentlemen received a Proclamation by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal recognizing their Medal of Valor award by the Georgia State Firefighters Association. The men earned the Medal of Valor for their rescue of a woman in a Columbia County house fire in 2010. Veteran Firefighter Dickenson, with 23 years experience, humbly said they didn't do anything differently than the next shift would do. "This is what we do every day. We train for situations like helping someone climb out of a burning house. I'm glad that the training paid off and we had a good outcome," said Dickenson. Kudos to these firefighters and ALL firefighters, who are true heroes, training and working each day to save lives. |
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Tickets on Sale for the 8th Annual Rodeo
The 8th Annual Rodeo Nights events is scheduled for April 20-22 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Brave hearts from throughout the United States and Canada will battle for a spot at the International Rodeo Finals. Friday night is Hero Night and military personnel and first responders are admitted free.  Small cowpokes will love the Whipper Snapper Stampede, 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
There is fun for all ages with pony rides, inflatables, dunk-a-firefighter booth, rodeo clowns, and much more. Rodeo admission is $14 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. Save a few bucks with advance tickets ($10 and $5), now on sale at BP stations in Augusta and Thomson, all Georgia Bank & Trust locations, Boots Bridles and Britches, Tractor Supply in Thomson, SOHO at Surrey Center, and online at www.crosscreekrodeo.com. For more information about Rodeo Nights call 706-650-BURN. |
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From the Heart...
As this newsletter is mailed, Augusta is preparing to embrace more than 40,000 patrons of the 2012 Masters Tournament. We call it "Masters Madness." Most Augustans enjoy the buzz. Not only is the Masters a "sweet spot" for the local economy - it also helps local nonprofits. The Augusta National's Endowment, administered through the Community Foundation for the CSRA, provides about $400,000 in grant funding each year. In 2010, Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation was fortunate to receive one of those grants totaling $15,000. So hats off to the guys in green jackets.
Jo
Jo Maypole
Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation |
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