GARDEN GROVE : Burn Survivors Have Christmas Party

More than 100 current and former burn patients and their families gathered at the Garden Grove Community Center on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the holidays during the Orange County Burn Assn.’s 11th annual Burn Survivor Christmas Party.

Mostly attended by younger patients, the annual Christmas party gave the victims an opportunity to socialize with other survivors, as well as the physicians, nurses, therapists and volunteers who helped care for them.

“For me, it’s a reward for the work we’ve done all year,” said Dr. Bruce Achauer, director of the Burn Center at UCI Medical Center in Orange. “To get to see them functioning in a normal atmosphere and just socializing, it’s very special.”

Santa Claus visited the children at the party, taking note of their Christmas wish lists. The children were also visited by Disney characters and treated to a puppet show and games.

“The holidays are for sharing and giving thanks for what we have,” said Achauer. “We are always proud to share this afternoon with these special kids and their families.”

Achauer said the burn victims, many of whom are still recovering from their injuries, serve as a source of inspiration and courage to his medical staff.

Many of the younger patients suffered their injuries from hot liquid burns, but others were injured in accidents ranging from Christmas tree fires to house fires.

“Everyone has a different story,” Achauer said. “These burns come from anything you can imagine.”