Tributes
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2021
Donna Gregory Marshall, Waikato
After spending most of her life struggling with the physical and psychological trauma of severe burns sustained as an 11-month-old, Donna Gregory-Marshall has recently embraced her scars, built self-esteem and resilience and supports other burn survivors on their journeys to self-acceptance.
She is now a peer support person and mentor to the New Zealand burns community, and regularly shares her story, models her body for burn resources, and provides education to health professionals, including running sessions in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit at Middlemore Hospital. In 2019, Donna was chosen as a New Zealand representative at the Phoenix World Burn Conference. Dear Donna,
I can think of no one more deserving, and on behalf of the Burn Support Group, we hope this expresses our appreciation of the continued support, time and energy you bring to this Charity. I hope this gave you a little sunshine for the day xx Our very sincere Congratulations! 
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Alan Jeffry Breslau
This year saw the passing of a true gentleman.
On behalf of the Burn Support Charitable Trust we remember, with much fondness and appreciation, the wonderful dignified, witty, charming, passionate, dedicated life that we have all had the privilege to share with Alan Breslau. Words alone cannot express the extensive journey Alan has shared globally, touching the lives and hearts of so many fortunate people. Alan's talents, pioneer foresight with compassion and empathy shall never be forgotten, his well deserved accolades and awards always the reminder of this beautiful man's achievements. Alan will be missed by many, but remembered by all. Burn Support Group Charitable Trust NZ. |
We are deeply saddened to share that our founder, leader, encourager, and friend Alan Breslau passed away on 26 November 2020.
Alan was deeply loved by the burn community. His strong dedication, long term commitment, and unwavering desire to help others made him truly one of a kind. Alan built the opportunity for the survivors around the world to connect, find healing, and learn to survive and thrive again. Please keep Delwyn Breslau and their family in your thoughts at this time. Phoenix Society Team/ USA, Amy Acton 
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Tribute to Alan
...“What a Man”…
I could talk about how Alan was born in New York and that he graduated in Music, Arts and Chemical engineering while specializing in Plastic’s … but I won’t… Alan would have hated that word… “WONT”
…“What a Man”…
I could also talk about how Alan was the Technical director of two very large plastic’s company’s in New York and Hong Kong and that he had written many chapters for books and resource papers in regards to polymers, plastic’s and resins and that he had also written and published two of his own books on his life experiences from the time of his plane crash, good, bad, and indifferent… But I’m not going to.
…“What a Man”…
I should also talk about Alan’s Plane crash on July 2, 1963 when the Mohawk 449 plane he was traveling in crash landed beside a runway during a tornado near Lake Ontario, New York. His accident and his life since is well documented in his books, articles and spoken about by many. A story that has helped so many and will continue to do so.
But I’m not going to talk about this.
I should talk about Alans role in setting up, and being the founding father of the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I could talk about the first World Burns Congress that the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors held where Delwyn was invited as a guest speaker. They obviously made quite an impact on each other … leading them to the alter and an exciting new journey together.
... Yeah Alan, You’re the Man… !!
I should talk about how many awards Alan and Delwyn have received over the years including their very own award, “The Breslau Award” and “The Local Heroes Award” for the tireless work they have done for Burn Survivors Internationally…
In 2016 Alan was up against Rodney Wayne, I found this particularly funny as Alan didn’t have any hair and I have always wondered what the conversation between Rodney Wayne and Alan Breslau would have been on that night.
I’d like to talk about the time I meet Alan and the next 8 years of his and Delwyn’s life… the fond memories, banter and small talk that I had with Alan.
The first time I met Alan was him behind a piano.
I knew who he was and had heard about him… then… ‘I heard him’... Alan was a fine pianist and every time there was a piano in the room he would usually end up sitting in front of the keys.
There was a gleam in his eye as he headed in the piano’s direction, an acknowledgement that hey I’m here and it won’t be long!
My daughter, Jorja, is a burn survivor and I meet Alan and Delwyn through the children’s camps they attended here in New Zealand. Delwyn as founder and Alan as patron of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust. Alan and Delwyn have helped so many people national and internationally through their tireless work in burn support, burn management, fundraising and giving back with their big hearts. It didn’t matter of your background or past, if you needed any help, in healing scars externally or internally these were your ‘go to’ people... “Oh and the Talking Stick!”
I was lucky enough, as president of the burn support group charitable trust to be flown to the world Burns congress in Dallas 2017 and Grand Rapids 2018, this is where I learned how much of a “Rockstar” Alan was… In Dallas we were in a room with over 1000 people and each of them had been brought there because of one man... this man however, had a fall at home 24 hours prior to flying out and had broken his collar bone unbeknown to those at congress. Everyone wanted to shake Alan’s hand. Obviously Delwyn did her best to stop people, but Alan kept putting out his hand to great old friends and make new ones in true ‘Rockstar Fashion’. Our New Zealand Contingent cringed every time someone went in for a firm handshake. Alan also played the piano during the Talent Show during this World Burns Congress with his broken collar bone.
In Dallas I also learnt how much Alan liked BBQ’d meat. We had a meal at Lockhart’s BBQ Smoke House, one of the oldest smokehouses in Dallas Texas. Not only did Alan like BBQ meat he had a passion for puddings and desserts… he really did like his sweet treats.
Alan never minced his words and didn’t beat around the bush in what he wanted to say. It didn’t matter where you were at the time… in an AGM or in a hotel corridor. If something was on his mind, he got it out. It was always a pleasure to sit down and have a chat. I wish that I had got to spend more time with him, I would have asked more questions, I really wanted to know more about Plastics and Polymers! Alan was always willing to give you the time of day for a decent discussion and chat.
I remember asking Alan why he likes wearing the dark sunglasses, his response was, it makes me look cool. He advised me one day that as he had only one working eye it can move around further and he could see more out of the corner of his eye… more than most people. A lot of people didn’t know this little party trick.
In Grand Rapids we visited the newly renovated Phoenix Society head office. On Google maps it only looked like a only a few blocks away, so being a lovely day we walked. I pushed Alan in his wheel chair and Alan kept saying, “why are you going so slow?” Wow it was like pushing Michael Schumacher in a wheelchair. Thank you, George for picking Alan and Delwyn up when we had finished our visit, so the rest of us could have a nice casual stroll back to the hotel.
Alan was more than welcoming to talk to young burn survivors and share his expertise and guidance in a way that they not only listened, but understood that everyone has a story. It was always easy to share with Alan. Myself include with my own story, with the magic help of the “Talking Stick”.
The funniest moment I’ve had with Alan and Delwyn would have been at a burns camp in Albany when Delwyn, in true Delwyn style, came out and said, “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but has anyone seen Alans ear?” Alan has lost his ear! This is something you don’t hear every day – excuse the pun - and I probably would never hear again - pun intended!
There have been so many messages on social media and the out pouring of loss of Alan’s life and the love to Delwyn. What people on Social media have been saying about Alan really reflects himself and his personality and we can all relate here are just a few.
I could talk about how Alan was born in New York and that he graduated in Music, Arts and Chemical engineering while specializing in Plastic’s … but I won’t… Alan would have hated that word… “WONT”
…“What a Man”…
I could also talk about how Alan was the Technical director of two very large plastic’s company’s in New York and Hong Kong and that he had written many chapters for books and resource papers in regards to polymers, plastic’s and resins and that he had also written and published two of his own books on his life experiences from the time of his plane crash, good, bad, and indifferent… But I’m not going to.
…“What a Man”…
I should also talk about Alan’s Plane crash on July 2, 1963 when the Mohawk 449 plane he was traveling in crash landed beside a runway during a tornado near Lake Ontario, New York. His accident and his life since is well documented in his books, articles and spoken about by many. A story that has helped so many and will continue to do so.
But I’m not going to talk about this.
I should talk about Alans role in setting up, and being the founding father of the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I could talk about the first World Burns Congress that the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors held where Delwyn was invited as a guest speaker. They obviously made quite an impact on each other … leading them to the alter and an exciting new journey together.
... Yeah Alan, You’re the Man… !!
I should talk about how many awards Alan and Delwyn have received over the years including their very own award, “The Breslau Award” and “The Local Heroes Award” for the tireless work they have done for Burn Survivors Internationally…
In 2016 Alan was up against Rodney Wayne, I found this particularly funny as Alan didn’t have any hair and I have always wondered what the conversation between Rodney Wayne and Alan Breslau would have been on that night.
I’d like to talk about the time I meet Alan and the next 8 years of his and Delwyn’s life… the fond memories, banter and small talk that I had with Alan.
The first time I met Alan was him behind a piano.
I knew who he was and had heard about him… then… ‘I heard him’... Alan was a fine pianist and every time there was a piano in the room he would usually end up sitting in front of the keys.
There was a gleam in his eye as he headed in the piano’s direction, an acknowledgement that hey I’m here and it won’t be long!
My daughter, Jorja, is a burn survivor and I meet Alan and Delwyn through the children’s camps they attended here in New Zealand. Delwyn as founder and Alan as patron of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust. Alan and Delwyn have helped so many people national and internationally through their tireless work in burn support, burn management, fundraising and giving back with their big hearts. It didn’t matter of your background or past, if you needed any help, in healing scars externally or internally these were your ‘go to’ people... “Oh and the Talking Stick!”
I was lucky enough, as president of the burn support group charitable trust to be flown to the world Burns congress in Dallas 2017 and Grand Rapids 2018, this is where I learned how much of a “Rockstar” Alan was… In Dallas we were in a room with over 1000 people and each of them had been brought there because of one man... this man however, had a fall at home 24 hours prior to flying out and had broken his collar bone unbeknown to those at congress. Everyone wanted to shake Alan’s hand. Obviously Delwyn did her best to stop people, but Alan kept putting out his hand to great old friends and make new ones in true ‘Rockstar Fashion’. Our New Zealand Contingent cringed every time someone went in for a firm handshake. Alan also played the piano during the Talent Show during this World Burns Congress with his broken collar bone.
In Dallas I also learnt how much Alan liked BBQ’d meat. We had a meal at Lockhart’s BBQ Smoke House, one of the oldest smokehouses in Dallas Texas. Not only did Alan like BBQ meat he had a passion for puddings and desserts… he really did like his sweet treats.
Alan never minced his words and didn’t beat around the bush in what he wanted to say. It didn’t matter where you were at the time… in an AGM or in a hotel corridor. If something was on his mind, he got it out. It was always a pleasure to sit down and have a chat. I wish that I had got to spend more time with him, I would have asked more questions, I really wanted to know more about Plastics and Polymers! Alan was always willing to give you the time of day for a decent discussion and chat.
I remember asking Alan why he likes wearing the dark sunglasses, his response was, it makes me look cool. He advised me one day that as he had only one working eye it can move around further and he could see more out of the corner of his eye… more than most people. A lot of people didn’t know this little party trick.
In Grand Rapids we visited the newly renovated Phoenix Society head office. On Google maps it only looked like a only a few blocks away, so being a lovely day we walked. I pushed Alan in his wheel chair and Alan kept saying, “why are you going so slow?” Wow it was like pushing Michael Schumacher in a wheelchair. Thank you, George for picking Alan and Delwyn up when we had finished our visit, so the rest of us could have a nice casual stroll back to the hotel.
Alan was more than welcoming to talk to young burn survivors and share his expertise and guidance in a way that they not only listened, but understood that everyone has a story. It was always easy to share with Alan. Myself include with my own story, with the magic help of the “Talking Stick”.
The funniest moment I’ve had with Alan and Delwyn would have been at a burns camp in Albany when Delwyn, in true Delwyn style, came out and said, “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but has anyone seen Alans ear?” Alan has lost his ear! This is something you don’t hear every day – excuse the pun - and I probably would never hear again - pun intended!
There have been so many messages on social media and the out pouring of loss of Alan’s life and the love to Delwyn. What people on Social media have been saying about Alan really reflects himself and his personality and we can all relate here are just a few.
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A legend.
A truly amazing man. A man who truly made a difference. A golden heart stopped beating. Inspired many for strength and healing. A Life fully lived. A true legacy and inspiration. He made a difference. A victor of circumstances. This man leaves a lasting impact on us all. ….”What a Man”…. |
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Carol Mayer
The Burn Support Charitable Trust wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Mayer family, and to our Australian friends you have had the privilege of having met the amazing Carol Mayer. Carol attended 2019 Women's Burn Retreat where we were to meet an incredibly inspiring, courageous woman who was as real as they come, with a desire and yearn to support, educate and care for burn survivors within the community. Carol will always be remembered for her smile, her generous heart and the ability to make everyone feel beautiful. R.I.P CAROL, you'll always be in our hearts.... 
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Thank you to the family of Georgena Frances Moran.
In October 2020 a very kind and generous legacy was donated to the Burn Support Charitable Trust. This large donation enables the events in place to continue and gives opportunity to expand on new projects. |
Click on letter to enlarge
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June 2020 | After many years, The Burn Support Group Charitable Trust has received notification that our dedicated, wonderful, Jan Steele has resigned as a Board member and Trustee of the BSGCT.
Although, now not technically holding a role, Jan will always be a part of our whanau. Her devotion to the BSGCT began in 1988 and during her very long tenure with the Charity she held such roles as Vice President, Trustee, Minutes Secretary and Treasurer. For over 30 years she has dedicated her time to supporting burn survivors in New Zealand, affecting countless lives in the process. There is no doubt that the impact she made has had a permanent impact on the Charity, and we are so very fortunate to have had someone with that love and dedication. The Burn Support Group’s success today is a direct result of Jan’s hard work and commitment to burn survivor support. Our sincerest thanks to you, Jan. Nick Nielson President |
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Former burns nurse reflects on more than 33 years on the job
18 June 2019 | Techniques for nursing burns patients have changed dramatically in the years since Jan Steele first started working at Middlemore Hospital. Ms Steele, who recently retired from her role as a nurse at the Auckland Regional and National Burns service after 33 and a half years, says patients used to be bathed daily in lux flakes. “Then it went to baby shampoo, then salt, and then Dermaveen which created a bath that looked like porridge,” she says. In earlier times, these baths occurred with some pain relief for patients but not with the attendance of an anaesthetist. In those days up to three staff were required to assist in the process. Ms Steele remembers the first time an anaesthetist was called before a patient was bathed. |
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“We booked the anaesthetist in. He was a lovely man. He said he’d be there at a set time and would expect a coffee, a donut and a chocolate fish. He just about fell over when he arrived and was presented with exactly that,” she says, adding the team provided said refreshments every time the anaesthetist attended the unit from then on.
Wound care products have improved since that time – and patients thankfully undergo fewer dressing changes and baths.
Reflecting over her years at the service which treats the most severe burns in the country, Ms Steele says it was a privilege to work with the patients.
“Looking back, you share the journey with the patient. When they have a good day, you have a good day. They come into hospital and you don’t know them from a bar of soap. They trust us with their life.”
She acknowledges it takes a special kind of person to work with people who are in such a vulnerable time of their lives.
“We’ve got to know when to display empathy and sympathy, but at the same time they’ve got to be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation begins from the time of their injury and involves surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists, but ultimately it is the patient who determines the end result,’ she says.
Factors such as wearing pressure garments and splints, doing prescribed exercises, and keeping skin moisturised are all important and sometimes patients need to be pushed to persist with physiotherapy, even when it is uncomfortable.
“It really is a case of being cruel to be kind.”
Ms Steele says she treated all patients equally, regardless of the seriousness of their burns. It has been rewarding seeing former inpatients return to the service for various appointments.
“On my last day a patient that I had nursed years before came back to the unit and donated a computer for the dayroom in appreciation of the care I gave him and other patients. That was very humbling for me,” she says.
Now enjoying a slower paced life with her husband in the Coromandel, Ms Steel says she couldn’t have asked for a better working place.
“It is a wonderful place. You can make such a difference.”
Wound care products have improved since that time – and patients thankfully undergo fewer dressing changes and baths.
Reflecting over her years at the service which treats the most severe burns in the country, Ms Steele says it was a privilege to work with the patients.
“Looking back, you share the journey with the patient. When they have a good day, you have a good day. They come into hospital and you don’t know them from a bar of soap. They trust us with their life.”
She acknowledges it takes a special kind of person to work with people who are in such a vulnerable time of their lives.
“We’ve got to know when to display empathy and sympathy, but at the same time they’ve got to be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation begins from the time of their injury and involves surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists, but ultimately it is the patient who determines the end result,’ she says.
Factors such as wearing pressure garments and splints, doing prescribed exercises, and keeping skin moisturised are all important and sometimes patients need to be pushed to persist with physiotherapy, even when it is uncomfortable.
“It really is a case of being cruel to be kind.”
Ms Steele says she treated all patients equally, regardless of the seriousness of their burns. It has been rewarding seeing former inpatients return to the service for various appointments.
“On my last day a patient that I had nursed years before came back to the unit and donated a computer for the dayroom in appreciation of the care I gave him and other patients. That was very humbling for me,” she says.
Now enjoying a slower paced life with her husband in the Coromandel, Ms Steel says she couldn’t have asked for a better working place.
“It is a wonderful place. You can make such a difference.”
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August 2019 | It is with regret Pete Sharp has had to resign from the Board.
Pete has been a fabulous President for the past two years and all of us connected to the Burn Support Group wish him all the very best in his future endeavors. Pete has been instrumental in the Charity moving ahead with his great leadership qualities, his ability to connect with the burn community and his invaluable input to all new and exciting initiatives. From all of us that have the privilege of working alongside you, you will be greatly missed... |
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Burn Support Group offers condolences to Toni MacLeod (pictured right) who's husband, Harold MacLeod (commonly known as Mac), sadly passed away on 7 March 2018.
Toni has always been extremely supportive of the Burn Support Group, offering her services wherever necessary. Thank you, Toni, for everything you do and our thoughts go out to you at this time. |
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The Burn Support Charitable Trust would like to offer our deepest condolscenses to George Stephens' family. George passed away on 6 November 2017.
George held the position of President and Trustee from 2010 until his resignation in 2013. George was extremely well respected and held in high esteem by all those that came into contact with him. RIP George. |
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We would like to extend our well wishes to Rosemary Barling for her exciting new future with her family down Nelson.
Rosemary has been part of the Burn Support Group since 1993, joining as a Board Member, until her role as Secretary of the Minutes. Thank you for your dedication and support, Rosemary, you will be fondly missed. |
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Burn support group charitable trust inc
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