Who We Serve
Children who have been severely impacted by burns deserve support to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Their stories inspire us daily.
Manal's Story
Manal suffered horrific second and third-degree burns to her face, neck and hands when her home in Syria was bombed. Doctors tried to convince Manal's mom to end her life at the hospital. But her mother did not give up hope.
When Manal arrived in the United States, Children's Burn Foundation supported her and her mother during the long road to recovery. Her face and hands required multiple complex surgeries. After a move to Los Angeles, CBF paid for these surgeries as well as lasers and other needed procedures. Today, Manal loves drawing and bonding with other burn survivors at CBF's annual holiday celebration, Camp Gung Ho and other Council events. Manal is not just a survivor; she is a thriver.
Melanie's Story
Children's Burn Foundation Cheers on Melanie Through
Family Eemergency Assistance, Family Support Group and Family Camp
CBF has cared for Melanie since her injury resulting from a kitchen accident when she was two. On New Year's Eve, a family cooking tradition took a tragic turn resulting in severe scald burns to the lower half of Melanie's body. She was rushed for acute care at a burn center in Los Angeles. CBF relieved some of her single mother's stress by providing Family Emergency Assistance.
After hospitalization, Melanie, her mom and brother found hope and comfort while attending Family Support Group at Children's Burn Foundation where they met and befriended other burn survivor families.
Support group provides a network of peers where families learn acceptance and coping skills. Melanie's family discovered that they are not alone in their grief and consider their support group as a second family where sharing feelings is safe and encouraged. They enjoyed attending Family Camp with this special group.
Through treatment, Melanie has gained confidence in her appearance and physical abilities. She enjoys dance and cheering on her friends.
CBF stands by its commitment to provide ongoing assistance as Melanie grows and funds her continued laser treatments and steroid injections at no cost to her or her family. These treatments are not covered by insurance.
Bandith's Story
CBF provided Bandith a renewed chance at life after he sustained burn injuries to 50% of his body by funding his emergency air transfer from Cambodia to Thailand where doctors performed life-saving intensive surgeries.
CBF provided Bandith a renewed chance at life after he sustained burn injuries to 50% of his body when a propane tank exploded in his family's kitchen. CBF funded his emergency air transfer from Cambodia to Thailand where doctors performed life-saving intensive surgeries. Doctors credit his ability to defy the odds to his bright and playful attitude. As he grew, Bandith developed scars on his face, arms and legs.
At three, CBF was contacted to help improve his functionality and appearance. We knew the best treatment for Bandith was in Los Angeles so we arranged travel for Bandith and his father. CBF funded the reconstructive treatment and supportive care during their brief stay in America.
As burn survivors grow, their damaged skin lacks the elasticity needed for proper mobility.
CBF's unique mission of supporting children through their eighteenth year allows us to assist Bandith as he grows. Once Bandith turned eight, the doctors prescribed more surgeries which CBF funded.
Arriving just days before international flights were halted due to the coronavirus, Bandith's surgeries presented new challenges because of COVID-19 restrictions. While healing, Bandith participated in CBF's virtual camps where he interacted with his burn survivor peers in activities including cooking, painting, scavenger hunt and even flight simulation lessons!
Bandith is back home in Cambodia where he continues to play and grow as little boys do. He dreams of being a superhero like Spiderman and eventually creating a Spiderman business.
We stand by Bandith and cheer him on his road to recovery.
The doctors at CBF have given Bandith a second chance at no cost to his family, and we hope you will join us in helping other children in need of care.
Please help us grow with Bandith and bring surgical and psychosocial care to young burn survivors.
Aysha's Story
Aysha was severely injured by barrel bombs in Syria when she was only three years old. CBF, in partnership with the Burnt Children Relief Fund (BCRF), has been helping Aysha with treatment and recovery in the United States since May 2018. Although her treatments are extensive, Aysha’s spunky spirit remains intact. She receives burn care at Shriners for Children Medical Center, Pasadena, and specialized hand surgeries at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Her exuberance enchants everyone as she enjoys events such as CBF’s Camp Gung Ho, our Children’s Holiday Party, a Disneyland adventure, and a ride-a-long with the Glendale Fire Department.
This vivacious bundle of energy hopes to be a burn doctor one day.
WENDY'S STORY
MALACHI'S STORY
If you've ever accidentally burned yourself, then you know just how painful a burn is. But what if it wasn't an accident? What if somebody burned you? And what if that burn was visible and caused you to lose your ability of movement? That's just what happened to Malachi.
Nine years ago, when Malachi was just two and a half years old, he was intentionally burned by having his hands shoved into scalding water. This caused not just excruciating pain, but scarring that visibly disfigured Malachi's hands and left him unable to bend or spread his fingers or grip small items like a pencil or fork. Over the next few years, because of the severity of his burns, Malachi was transferred to a burn center to receive urgent treatment for his disabling injury. He had many surgeries while in acute care that were covered by insurance, but eventually the procedures he needed to improve functionality and appearance would not be covered. As he got older, Malachi also experienced bullying and awkward stares from other kids and suffered from isolation and loneliness. His doctor and mother reached out for help, and that is when Children's Burn Foundation stepped in.
For the past two years, CBF has paid for the surgeries Malachi needs to regain function in his hands. We also provided him with esteem-building support groups and camps that have helped him regain his courage and confidence. CBF has given hope to Malachi and put him on track for a bright and productive future where he can achieve his dream of becoming a video animator.
MICHAEL'S STORY
By supporting us, you are helping Aysha, Wendy, Malachi, Michael, and Melanie thrive. We need your support to help more children receive the quality care they need.
