The burn survivor journey can feel incredibly isolating. But finding people who understand your experience can create connection, courage, and hope. Powerful moments from a Warrior Scar Jewelry Workshop at the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Young Adult Retreat demonstrate Post Traumatic Growth, where survivors shared scars, stories, and laughter to build strong relationships. Allowing others into their circle helped them discover support, empathy, strength, and new possibilities be

Trauma doesn't just change what happened — it can change the story we tell ourselves about who we are. After surviving a propane explosion leaving me with burns over 40% on my body, I believed everything that defined me had been taken away. But over time, healing began when I stopped asking, "Why did this happen?" and started asking, "What story will I write next?" In this deeply personal article, I share the science of Post Traumatic Growth and offer valuable insights.

The Warrior Scar Jewelry Workshop invites burn survivors and caregivers into a creative space where scars are not something to cover, but something to honor and transform. Participants capture the texture of their own scars to create jewelry — pendants, hearts, bracelets, and earrings. Each piece becomes a tangible expression of survival, resilience, and meaning. This process opens the door to conversations about identity, healing, and Post Traumatic Growth, reaching beyond m

Burn survivor, age 7 who attended the Scar Warrior Jewelry Workshop at Camp Susquehanna Burn Camp for Children. This is a conversation with Christina Booher, Lyla’s mother, concerning her Daughter’s camp experience. Christina Booher: “Holly, thank you!! She [Lyla] is amazing! She is so proud of her necklace and showed it off the second she stepped off the bus!! She had us feel her necklace and then feel her scar because they are the same!” Holly: “Now that’s super cool!” Chri

The Warrior Scar Jewelry Program at the World Burn Congress is a Post Traumatic Growth Experience hosted by the Healing Phoenix Arts Program

Many times, our fear is so strong that we cannot see beyond it to be able to experience what is on the other side.

Finding Positivity Through Tragedy takes time. A technique that Christopher has found extremely helpful early on, while confined to my hospital bed, was being present. This was not easy to do, especially when my mind wanted to constantly wander off and replay in detail the painful moments of the accident. But being present means being mindful of exactly what is going on around you, right now, in this moment.