The Power of Connection
Written on October 09, 2020
The power of connecting people is undeniable – even within families.
It was only two weeks post-burn injury when Amber Wilcox found the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors’ website. After joining one of our Virtual Support Groups, Amber was ready to share her story as part of our new Healing Through Our Stories – Virtual Open Mic.
She openly and candidly shared her journey and experiences, including voicing her concerns about seeing her family for the first time after her injury. Little did she realize that her mother was also attending the Virtual Open Mic. Since then, Amber, her husband, Tyler, and her mother, Dawn, have all found themselves as part of the Phoenix family.
Because Amber’s burn injury happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, her medical team advised her to be especially careful with potential exposure. Her mother, Dawn, living states away and working within an Emergency Department posed additional challenges. Due to this, it was not advised for them to be together immediately following Amber’s burn.
Dawn joined our Virtual Open Mic to learn more about how she could support Amber. What unfolded was nothing less than an impactful and profound moment for a mother and daughter – both healing and grieving - and wanting to connect. As a result, Amber and Dawn were able to talk after the call, and they made plans to participate in future support opportunities together.
What an amazing opportunity to bring families and our community together in efforts to promote healing and understanding. Phoenix Society is working every day to provide these experiences, moments, and insights along the healing journey. As a mother of a new survivor, Dawn says, the virtual support offerings helped her learn how to best help her daughter.
“It’s so important for families to know and learn. It’s nice to hear from other people how I can help my daughter. I like to be educated on what she’s going through and what I can do to help. Education is key.”
- Dawn
Amber’s husband, Tyler, has also received one on one support from a Phoenix Society Peer Supporter. Amber describes her husband as her biggest cheerleader throughout her journey.
“Encourage them [your partner] to attend support groups. Give them space to do that. Be a part if they need it, but also give them space to do it alone.” - Tyler
Because of the positive impact, Phoenix Society has had on Amber and her family, they decided to start a crowdfunding page. “I felt I needed to give back. I owe that to Phoenix Society” says Amber.
Dawn adds, “There’s nothing I’d rather raise money for.”
Amber and her family continue to find support through Phoenix Society’s virtual programming. "Every week I join the Virtual Support Group. The first support group was the best experience I’ve had since my burn injury. They gave so many amazing tips within the first five minutes. Now, I’ve made a ton of friends.
Burn survivors need support and we don’t always know how to ask for it or how to get it.
—Amber
The need and opportunity to support Phoenix Society have never been greater. We have seen nearly double the number of requests for support in 2020. Our community needs us, and it really matters.
We remain committed to supporting the burn community all around the world – and with your continued generous support, we can ensure no one impacted by a burn injury will have to journey alone.
Give your gift today to ensure survivors have the support and resources they need when they need it. Together, despite the challenges we face, we can continue to provide hope and a supportive community that is always within reach – waiting to help.