In November, Camp I Am Me provided numerous scholarships to The Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress for adult burn survivors. The congress took place in Covington, KY.
World Burn Congress is a biennial event where adult burn survivors and care givers come together from all around the world to share stories, connect, and learn in a safe and supportive environment. The three-day congress was filled with learning sessions as well as large-scale gatherings. Keynote speakers included Celebrity Chef and Montana Mex Founder, Eduardo Garcia, and former burn surgeon Dr. Robert Cartotto.
Open mic events provided a place for fellow burn survivors to share their lived experiences with the roughly 800 people present. Smaller group learning sessions included topics such as confidence, compassion, secondary trauma in First Responders, grief and loss, relating and relationships, returning to work, stress and healing, creative cosmetics and intimacy. An abundance of support groups was also offered and there were plenty of support staff available to help with navigating emotions and overwhelm.
A talent show, and celebration dance helped create fun, social environments.
Both the Cincinnati and Covington Fire Departments brought their ladder trucks and other emergency vehicles, as well as bag pipers, honor guard and firefighters to help create a path for the always moving Walk of Remembrance, which is done to honor those lost to burn injuries, as well as provide reflection time for attendees.
Scholarship attendees from Camp I Am Me also gathered at the Buckhead Mountain Grill for a group dinner and photo op against the backdrop of the Cincinnati skyline just across the river from the congress.
World Burn Congress 2025 was an amazing and inspiring event that we’re hoping assisted in the ongoing healing of all burn survivors present.