Survivor Sunday, 27 October 2024

Waipuna Lodge venue was host for this educational and anticipated event.

The Burn Support Group were thrilled to have the brilliant guest speaker Dr. Martha Druery, who is in New Zealand attending and presenting at the formidable ANZBA Conference.

Martha is the first recipient of the Alan and Delwyn Breslau Scholarship Fund, established and created by the very generous Dr. Julian Lofts.

With Martha's visit to New Zealand the Charity took the golden opportunity for others to hear her wealth of knowledge, fabulous commitment and dedication to the burn community.

Dr Martha called her presentation "Life by Design (not by default) After Trauma" and took the audience on the back roads from the trauma of burn injury to the potential for joy and post-traumatic growth.

She  shared her fascination for how trauma can affect every aspect of your life, how your body is designed to react in the distressing ways it sometimes does and most importantly, what we can do to override mother nature's weird efforts to make us feel safe after trauma (and even just stress).

Dr Martha is on a mission to help people understand what makes them tick (in a "not boring" way!), understand that many of the distressing things we experiences as human beings are 'normal reactions to abnormal events' and find ways to be kinder to ourselves so that we can live a life we love.

Along with Martha, there was the very special brother and sister team, Braxton and Belle Savage, who both volunteered their time supporting the event on the day, also giving an extremely humbling speech on the all inspiring dedication they provide to many fortunate charities throughout Auckland. 

Burn Survivor and friend of the Charity Mr John McDermott was acting emcee on the day and did a fabulous job!

Raffles and auction items were won, lovely lunch was provided - all in all, a positively successful day for all.
 
The Charity would like to express our sincere appreciation to Martha, John, Braxton and Belle for your incredible support and pivotal roles you contributed on the day!

To everyone that was there on the day it is wonderful to see familiar faces and the many new attendees.

Next Survivor Sunday is the Xmas Party to be held on 15 December 2024.

Survivor Sunday, 23 June 2024

Thirtyfour people attended the wonderful afternoon at Fisher House, Highbrook in Auckland, engaging in the story told by firefighter Lia Drew, who came from Australia to share her journey as a burn survivor sustained while on the job in home town Brisbane.

Lia described the horrific circumstances she endured with an incredible and all inspiring positive outcome, as she proves burns have not determined or hindered her approach to life.

On behalf of all those who attended we wish to thank Lia for making the trip and supporting the burn community in New Zealand.

Following Lia was Ben Fraser from One Up Rehab Solutions.  Ben is always supportive, offering his advice and knowledge with great products that are offered at a discount to burn survivors on their website.

A great day was had by all, plenty of mix and mingling and warm welcomes to the newcomers.

Thank you to Fisher House for your hospitality and great hosting.

Survivor Sunday, 24 March 2024 - Introducing Troy Hall

Fabulous turn out for Troy to share his story.

With the fantastic host, Peter Gordon, at Homelands venue, 30 attendees were treated to delicious catering and the inspiring journey of burn survivor Troy.

It was particularly special to have Troy's mum Toni present, and the many new faces that shared in the afternoon.  

The Charity wishes to thank those that provided beautiful items for raffles and to those that purchased tickets on the day. 

These events have grown in numbers and the warmth is more than apparent as the smiles and conversations resonate around the room.

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SUNDAY IS TO BE HELD ON 23 JUNE 2024 ...see you there!
 
The Charity would like to express our sadness in hearing the following day of the impending closure of Homelands.  Peter, Alistair and their team have been a tremendous support to the Charity, we are eternally grateful for all the amazing relationship supplied to this Charity, we wish you all the very best in the next endeavour of which will be another amazing contribution to Auckland and many communities.  Thank you from the Board, the burn community, and Michele.