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Letters From Camp
To [Fellow Burn Camp Counsellor Rick Roemer]:
...I have never been so inspired by the dedication, love
and passion my fellow Fire Fighters, Nurses, and Doctors
showed to the cause and the camp. 1 am but humbled
and honored to have been a part of this team.
The Fire Department is involved with many causes and
all are as equally Important! Being a Fire Fighter and
a burn survivor, the Burn Fund is one that is close
to my heart.
M. Greissel, Vancouver Local 18
Counsellor
Dear Burn Fund,
...I am so overwhelmed with the generosity, love and kindness you are giving these [burn
survivors] children. I can't stop the tears from coming because you have given my son a day that
I don't know that I could have ever provided him. This is a memory he will have for life and I
can't express enough appreciation to you all.
My son ... may have burn scars for the rest of his life, but at least now he has a fantastic memory
of this magical day in Disneyland [Dreams Take Flight] which I believe will over power [sic] any
bad memories about his accident long ago.
When he came home, he gave me a big hug and said "I just had the best day of my life
mom!" ...You are amazing people and I don't know how to thank you enough for all you have
done. You have truly touched our family in such a deep way that I can't explain. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you.
Sincerely, J. Evans (Mother of camper)
Regina, Saskatchewan
Dear Rick [Roemer ... Professional Fire Fighter Local 559 Prince Rupert I Camp Counsellor]
Thank you so very much for the T-shirts. Willie wore one the first day of school. Willie talks about
you a lot. Thank you for making such a good impression on him. He is already talking about next
year.
Willie is getting back to normal. He likes his teacher so that is a big plus. He is also enjoying his
new Big Brother Clint that he was matched with through the Big Brothers program .... he is
booked again for more reconstructive surgery ... on a waiting list.
Thanks again for being so kind. So appreciated. You are a gem.
Signed, Willie's Grandma
Dear Rick
Thank you for the t-shirts. I really like them. I wore the black one to school on the first day. I
hope I'm in your cabin next year.
From Willie
Your friend
I think of you
(Camper, Aged 11)
"Thank you for letting me come to Burn Camp. It's not nice to get burned, but it's nice to go to
your camp... "
Clemens B. (Burn Survivor)
"Just wanted to thank you for all you did for us at camp... "
Shawn S. (Burn Survivor)
"In December 1993, our youngest daughter, Liz, suffered a severe burn accident with hot water.
She was admitted to the Victoria General Hospital overnight and transferred the next morning to
the burn unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Liz's stay at the burn unit lasted for seventeen days! During the stay, the care our daughter
received from the nursing and support staff ensured healing in all respects. I was able to stay by
her side and sleep overnight in her room, which was very important for Liz. The burn unit staff
was not only professional but compassionate and caring. Liz had every need looked after. For
example, our daughter's need for a vegetarian diet was taken care of.
We discovered that the care of burn patients is a specialty that requires a lot of specialized
medical equipment. Funding for the burn unit and the burn camp is provided through the fundraising
efforts of the wonderful fire fighters. Our daughter has participated in the Burn Camp every
summer since the accident. It is the highlight of her summer. It's been just a fulfilling and
enriching experience on all levels. We can see that the burn camp experience has given Liz
confidence, [and] has helped her with her self-esteem. So much fun and happiness is being stirred
in the camps that our daughter truly cherishes the memories.
We cannot thank enough the whole organization of the Burn Unit, Burn Camp and Fire fighters."
Love to them all,
Linda and Andy Guest
"...I enjoyed being in the "shark tank" (boys dormitory) with my friends. The one thing I
appreciate is you and the fire fighters putting this whole thing on for us... "
Cody W. (Burn Survivor)
" ...Your efforts are truly amazing and are obviously very much appreciated by the kids - judging by
all the smiles I see on [their] faces before leaving for camp... "
Rick and Andrea Williams {Parents}
"I have been a nurse in the Burn Unit at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria since 1989. While I
derive much satisfaction from my work at the hospital, I often wonder how the young patients are
going to make out once their hospitalization period is over and they are sent home.
Burn Camp provides me with the opportunity to see for myself how well young children can adjust
to coping with the trauma and physical scarring of a bad burn.
It Is heartwarming to see the stamina and the joy of those who take part in the camp's many
activities, and to realize just how much it means to the campers when they board their buses at
the end of camp with a chorus of "See you next year!"
Nelly Stock, Burn Unit Nurse/Burn Camp Counsellor
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