“Burn Camp taught me that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional" - Vanessa, Burn Survivor
"For Fire Prevention Week I wanted to talk to my classmates about fire prevention. So I did a project for my class where I showed them a little more about burn survivors and that they’re okay. I also talked to them about how to prevent burns. I told them when babysitting, do not leave the child alone while the kettle is on or if there’s a hot drink around. Keep drinks high and out of reach. And make sure matches are locked up so a kid can’t play with it. It’s important we teach our kids what matches are and to not play with them. Kids like discovering things, but it’s better for them to discover things with their parents and not by themselves. I told them about how there are too many burn survivors out there because there’s not enough people who know how to prevent it. Sometimes it’s really hurtful when people laugh and look at my burns as a disease. And that’s why I wasn’t very confident. But now I know it’s not okay to treat others like that. Burn Camp taught me that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional" - Vanessa, Burn Survivor