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Ten Gallon Hat with a Heart
John Wayne could have been describing David Speight when he said,  "Talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much." Frequently the last one to voice his opinion, David gets results when he and his herd of dedicated volunteers produce the Foundation's annual fundraiser, Rodeo Nights. He knows his stuff, having spent time in the arena competing and now traveling to other rodeos as an IPRA judge. Don't let the boots fool you. David and his wife, Wendy, are also nurses at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center. With a heart that is bigger than his cowboy hat, he has cared for burn patients for 23 years. He and his committee of mostly burn center staff recently produced their 8th rodeo. It was a doozey! Hats off to a dedicated volunteer that truly makes a difference. |
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Talking Heart to Heart
 Dave Heimer is a Jack of All Trades and man of many interests. Musician, Electrician, Organ Maker, Soap Maker, Wine Maker, Biodiesel Maker and Collector of Antique Phones are just a few of his interests and skills. And he's certainly not letting a burn injury sustained four years ago slow him down. As a matter of fact, he's added another item to his to-do list and that's the role of Burn Survivor's Support Group participant.
Dave says it's important that burn survivors offer support and share advice with one another. "It's a helpless feeling when you leave the Burn Center, get home and don't know what's happening to your wounds. I remember breaking out in rashes, wondering if this was normal or not," said Dave. "There are some tricks that you learn that are good to pass along to other patients. For instance, you're not supposed to scratch your healing wounds, but a shower massage can give you relief."
Burn Survivor Support Groups are free and meet the 4th Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Burn Foundation's office, located at 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. For more information, contact Audra Davis at a.davis@burnshurtwehelp.org or call 706-650-BURN. |
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Hearts in Tandem
Although April 15th signaled the approaching tax deadline, there were no procrastinators among the 450 bicyclists who rode in the 9th Annual Best Dam Ride benefiting Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.  Thanks to the hard work of Phil Cohen, volunteer extraordinaire and owner of Chain Reaction Cycling, this was the largest event to date with bike riders of all ages enjoying the beautiful spring day. The family event covered three counties, ending at Clarks Hill Dam where everyone enjoyed a barbeque lunch by the lake. We owe this energetic volunteer, Phil, and his wife, Eileen, a heartfelt thank-you. They began planning months in advance with the help of Larry and Rosemary Lynn. Then about 30 volunteers helped on event day to make it a smooth ride. It was a family affair and we are glad that Phil is part of this Foundation's family. |
 The Foundation staff is preparing for another Can It! Can-paign. Last fall thousands of school children in Richmond and Columbia counties collected aluminum cans. Then parents and teachers dropped them in Can It! collection trailers at a local fire station. Over $5,000 was raised from recycled aluminum for the Foundation's Pediatric Burn Fund. If your county schools or fire department would like to get involved in the Can It! Can-paign, call us at 1-800-650-BURN. You can make a difference!
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