Hadassah's Story - A True Inspiration
Hadassah’s story is truly inspirational not only about where she came from but what she has been through and the determination this girl has shown a lot of people. She has changed the hearts and also the thinking some of us have. We have to mention all the help and support she received and how lucky we all are to have this type of support in Australia and PNG.
Peter Hughes BURN Foundation Welcomes Our First Ambassodor Carol Mayer
Carol Mayer’s commitment, passion, drive, and personality have brought so much to all of us in the burn community. Her amazing attitude is an example to us all and I am now very proud to bestow upon you the title of Peter Hughes BURN Foundation Ambassador
Peter Hughes BURN Foundation In Queensland - Testimonials
Peter Hughes BURN Foundation Patron / Bali Bombing Survivor Peter Hughes visited the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and Wilsons HTM Investment Group
Living Skills Enhancement Retreat Testimonials
I got so much out of it and I would recommend it to any Burn Survivor who felt the need to improve them internally and externally and will be attending and would encourage others to attend Peter Hughes Patron Peter Hughes Burn Foundation
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Mangrove Mountain 06 Retreat Testimonials

l am a long time burns survivor l was burned in a chemical fire 53 yrs ago in Canada l suffered third degree burns to 85% of my body, 12 months after the accident l was allowed home for the first time to see my brother and sister who at the time of the accident was two weeks old, It was a strain on my parents looking after a new baby and visiting me in hospital. People just have to accept me for what l am if they don't like it that's their problem not mine. Like most teenage girls it worried me what boys would think of me with all the scars but with the help of makeup l could cover most of the scars on my face.

When I fist was asked to go to the retreat at Mangrove l really was in two minds as to whether l should go or not, l kept telling myself what is the point l have lived with the burns for this long and have adapted to them “WHAT COULD I GET OUT OF THIS RETREAT” well let me tell you l was blown away by the people l met there listening to their stories and l did get something out of it as well as made some wonderful new friends. I had issues that l didn’t even realise l had, and once l resolved these issues life has a whole new meaning. So l encourage you all to put your name down for the next retreat in May 2008 at Mangrove Mountain, believe me you will all get something out of it. A new survivor or an old one there is something for everyone.
Dawn

My name is Maree; I was burnt when I was 2.5 years old. I received 60% burns all down the back of me, more so on left side of my body. I grew up thinking I was the only one in the world that had burn scars. And that left me feeling very different and alone. All that changed a couple of years ago when I found out about the Peter Hughes BURN Foundation. I was invited to go along to one of the yearly retreats that the Peter Hughes BURN Foundation holds for Burn Survivors. I was in two minds whether I should go having never spoken to anyone about my burns and issues that came with them. I can tell you I was glad that I had made the decision to go. It was a big relief to be able to connect with people who could relate to experiences and issues being spoken about. Having supportive feedback from other survivors has changed a lot of how I see things and think about my burns today. It has been a very positive experience for me and I know if I ever need support it is always there.
Maree

I was asked to go on a retreat and I was a bit sceptical about it but went any way as I had nothing to lose. Some of us met at Concord Hospital got on the bus and away we went, I noticed the burns on some of the attendee's but what I did noticed was that on the bus trip to Mangrove Mountain we had a blast, what scars we didn't have any we were normal people going on a camp. We got to Mangrove Mountain and met the rest of the attendee's and sat down for the first session. One at a time we started to tell our story and the tears started to flow and it was hard not to feel the pain some of the others were feeling.

I was burnt for 3 years at that time and was worried about what to expect but some of us were burnt as children and have led a normal life (children, jobs etc) even though it wasn’t easy for them they made it and this was very uplifting and inspirational for me, I knew the hard yards had to be done but what I did know was, yes I can do this. For the next couple of days I had the most fun I have had for a long time, the sessions were emotional for all of us and the nights were great, the only disappointment was it had to end; the good thing was I met friends for life.

After the retreat I was on a high, I had no scars to me they were invisible this went on for a couple of weeks and then it wore off. What I did learn on the retreat was I was given skills by the other attendees to cope and it was a lot easier to live my life and I live it to the fullest. I no longer walk with my head looking at the ground I hold my head up high and people notice look at him he's burnt and walks with confidence I have been praised and commended, some say I'm so sorry and I say for what I'm alive and doing all the things I want nothing to be sorry about.
Grazi

Sitting here in Adelaide, chatting away to people I have never met but knowing most of them have gone through or is suffering the same way as I am with my burns. Not having much support in Adelaide for survivors it was fantastic to be able to chat. As the dates got closer to the retreat the excitement started to build. Finally the day arrived, flying in to the airport seemed strange in away, like I left a lot of my problems behind. On the day of being picked up in the bus I was a bit nervous and apprehensive. We arrived at Concord to pick up more people before heading of to Mangrove Mountain. The trip was a very good ice breaker and I think those of us that did travel by bus seamed to have an advantage as we spent the time talking and joking with each other. At this stage one woman in particular had me thinking as she also had a concern with hair. Her ability to be able to share her story, her ability to cope was an inspiration. The more I got to know this person over the weekend the more she inspired me. We arrived at the mountain got organised and then we all sat and started to share our stories. My turn came to talk about myself to the group; well normally I would just go on and on and on, but not on this occasion. Saturday was so emotionally charged, the things that had been discussed blew my mind. I was astounded on just how much emotion there was shared. At the end of the night it was great to have some light entertainment with which I will never forget. One of the best nights I have had in my life. Sunday came so quick it felt so unfair that we had just all met but had to go our separate ways.

Sad as it may have been, although the retreat and my Sydney trip had finished, I have met a group of people that will stay forever in my heart. The idea of having this sort of retreat made me feel little apprehensive but after attending I can’t wait for the next one. The retreat has helped me because I know that I have people around me that I can lean on whenever I need them, people who have gone through or are experiencing the same issues as I am. Not only did we have the time to discuss each and everyone’s issue we made the time to find good friends. I have the group photo blown up and framed and next to my computer so I can see each and everyone each day. I know that we have our separate lives to lead, but I hope you all will never forget the time we had spent at the mountain.
Bill

I was totally excited when I found out that the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation was going to run a retreat for burn survivors. I was also scared as I had only ever met one other person who had burns like mine and that was only 12 months prior to the retreat. I have felt for the last 41 years that I have been living under this skin and covering up whenever I went out in public.

After being at the retreat and meeting all of the other people who also had burns I felt like I was with my family loving, caring and understanding people. Non judgemental no staring, no name calling, it was fantastic. These people knew what I was feeling and they were on the same wave length.

I felt a great deal of sadness when the retreat was over as I did not want it to end. I was in my comfort zone for sure and now I was going out into the big wide world of all the other perfect people. BUT I was not covering up. I learnt that people take you as you are or not at all. I also learned that instead of saying nasty remarks when people stared or commented about my burns I would smile which was such a hard thing to do but I did it. The Burn Foundation needs to keep going as there are a lot of young burn survivors out there.

They say that a burn trauma is the most painful and worst injury anyone could sustain as this is long term not short term and you are scared for life. I have obstacles to overcome every day. My body overheats very quickly and since finding this foundation I do look at life a whole lot differently than I used to and I will spread the word about fire safety which I think is the most important thing.
Prevention is better than cure
Kazza
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