Drew Godwin, with South Lynches Fire Department, was the lucky winner of "The Gift" print at the South Carolina Fire-Rescue Conference in June. |
Upcoming Events
July 18-19
Georgia Fire Safety Symposium
August 13-17
Strategic Planning
August 22-25
Georgia Fire Service Conference
September 10
4th Annual Savannah Charity Golf Tournament
For more information please contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at: bgainey@sfbf.net |
Caring by the Numbers
Did you know that firefighters or their families have a special number that they can call for help or information? 706-650-2239 |
Happy 4th of July! |
If You Think the Weather is Hot??
A special thanks to Board Member Gary Jarriel and Southside Fire/EMS/Security for raising over $6,100 with their 2012 calendar. |
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Burn Prevention Tip
Did you know that fruits rich in Lycopene and Beta Carotene help combat the harmful effects of UV radiation? Watermelon, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots are some of the best sources of carotenoids. |
We Love Happy Endings
SFBF is searching for patient stories to use during the Burn Survivors Reunion, Saturday, November 10. Contact us if you have one to share.
1-800-650-BURN or burnshurtwehelp@knology.net |
Just when you're beginning to think pretty well of people, you run across somebody who puts sugar on sliced tomatoes.
Will Cuppy |
FORE! If you would like to participate in our annual Savannah Golf Tournament, Monday, September 10, contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at: bgainey@sfbf.net |
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People often ask about the firefighter's role at Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation. It is hard to summarize in a few words. You might call them BFFs, which is internet slang for "best friends forever." They were involved when Dr. Joe Still decided to form a charity to help burn patients and their families. That was nearly twenty-five years ago. Today, firefighters are involved with the Foundation as advocates, volunteers, donors, and Board members. Some get involved when one of their co-workers is transported for treatment to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. We get their calls of concern and offers of help. We appreciate the commitment firefighters make to this Foundation and honor their role as protectors of both life and property. We hope that they never need us...but if they do, we are here. |
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Firefighters and other first responders throughout the Georgia-Carolina area raise over 25% of SFBF's budget. These heroes and she-roes are creative and passionate about helping burn patients and their families, organizing boot drives, cook-offs and even a calendar depicting some hunky guys who really know how to wear their turnout gear. There are no limitations when they decide to help. Not only do they help this Foundation, but most support other causes as well. Many tell us that fundraising builds camaraderie within their department and serves as a "friend-raiser," allowing them to connect with their community outside their normal setting.  The size of your department or the amount of your donation doesn't matter. What matters is your commitment to helping the families and patients that need our help. For more information about how you can help, contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at b.gainey@sfbf.net. |
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The Heart of Survival
Three years ago, Lindsay Norcross and her four-year-old daughter, Emma, arrived at the Burn Center following a gas explosion in their home.  They spent two months in the hospital, both with burns over half their bodies. Sadly, Lindsay's son, Ewan, did not survive the accident. Inspired by her medical team, Lindsay returned to school, and is working on her RN degree. Emma is an honor-roll student, excelling in art. They are active in the Savannah area, raising funds and awareness for SFBF. After Lindsay, with Emma at her side, spoke passionately at the Southern Women's Expo, Southside Fire Department's calendar sales increased. Lindsay, a single mother whose parents live in Thailand, says the Foundation is "a family for displaced families. It is the glue that keeps everything together." Lindsay gets her inspiration from Emma, who dealt with bullying when she started school. "Emma looks people in the eye and shows them there's nothing to be afraid of. Her skin is just a little different," says Lindsay. Both are inspirations to all who meet them. |
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They Get It!
Martinez-Columbia Fire and Rescue's finest recently raised $40,000 at their annual Boot Drive to benefit Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.  The Boot Drive, which collected over $70,000, spanned two weekends and twelve different locations, supporting several charities. Some firefighters believe that their commitment to help was strengthened after the Foundation arranged a tour of the Burn Center. "If you ever visit the Burn Center you will want to help," Vinny Vizzari, Safety and Technology Officer, commented. Last year when a grateful business owner wanted to make a donation to the department following a fire at his business, they referred him to the Foundation. "We have seen first-hand how burns affect firefighters, victims, and their families, and that is why we are moved to support the Foundation," Assistant Chief James Champion added. We are grateful for their hard work and support. Our partnership with Martinez-Columbia Fire and Rescue is firefighter strong. |
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A Devoted Board Member
Tom Dorn was elected to SFBF's Board this year - but he is not new to the Foundation. He joined the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in 1988 as a Social Work Case Manager and became a Foundation Board member that same year. Over the past 25 years Tom has served several terms on the Board and held the office of Board Chair. Tom has been instrumental in helping us expand our transitional services program for patients being discharged. His experience hosting an in-patient support group for patients and their families has been invaluable. He is now helping SFBF host a monthly out-patient support group on the 4th Wednesday of each month, providing an outlet where burn survivors can share their thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, and setbacks with others who share similar challenges. Tom and his family live in Edgefield, SC, in his great-great grandfather's home. We are very fortunate to have this "new" Board member return! |
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From the Heart...
Coming back from vacation is never easy, but neither is spending a week in a beach house with one's family. This year I declared a digital detox. Cellphones, laptops and iPads were to be stored. "Out of sight," I thought. "Out of her mind," the kids thought. "Nana, do you mean my Leap Pad?" an angel in a pink nightgown asked. "Mercy yes," I replied, "this is going to be great!" No typing, texting, or tweeting - surviving this would be tough. But we clung together over second cups of coffee and late night board games. We took bike rides, read books, and ate tomato sandwiches. By the light of the moon, not our laptops, we celebrated the joy of family. BTW, I'm back. It was GR8. We LOLed a lot, but I missed my PEEPs at the Foundation.
Jo
Jo Maypole
Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation |
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