The Burn Advocates Network (BAN) is a nonprofit organization established in 2008, dedicated to supporting burn survivors through their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration processes. The organization manages three pediatric burn camps and operates a network focused on burn care.Our Mission, Burn Advocates Network BAN expanded its international activities in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which resulted in approximately 1,000 individuals suffering from burns and lacking adequate care.Disasters; the 2010 Haitian earthquake and the evacuation of burn victims to US burn centers. Randy D. Kearnsa, James. H. Holmes IV.b, Mary Beth Skarotec, Charles B. Cairnsd, Samantha Cooksey Stricklande, Howard G. Smithf, Bruce A. Cairnsg. Burns, Volume 40, Issue 6, September 2014, Pages 1121–1132
Operations
Based in Teaneck, New Jersey, Burn Advocates Network operates three pediatric burn camps:
Camp Sababa - Israel's first burn camp, was founded in 2009 and operates in cooperation with Schneider Hospital for Children. Camp takes place in Kfar Galim, a youth village outside of Haifa.At an Israeli Children's Camp, Burn Survivors Find Relief. Haaretz, Alona Ferber, May 01, 2014.Heal the Scars of the Heart. Channel 10 News, Miki Haimovich, broadcast date: May 3, 2011. YouTube title: Camp Sababa - Israel's Channel 10 News Story (with subtitles) Camp Karma - India's first burn camp, was founded in 2013 and operates in cooperation KEM Hospital. Camp takes place in Rivergate Resort, outside of Mumbai.India’s First Burns Camp for Kids. The Wall Street Journal, Shreya Shah, Oct 23, 2013. Camp Samba - Launched in São Paulo in 2017.Where We Work, Burn Advocates Network
Today there are approximately 60 burn camps worldwide, 31 of them based in the United States and registered at the International Association of Burn Camps.Our Story, The International Association of Burn Camps (IABC) Burn camps typically include accommodation, offer various activities such as arts and crafts, cooking sessions and drumming circles, and are tuition-free for campers. The age of participants varies from 6-18 and the number of participants from 15 to 100.Burn-survivor summer camps let kids shake off the stares. USA Today, Natalie DiBlasio, August 28, 2012. Several academic studies have demonstrated that burn survivors who participated in burn camps experienced decreased isolation, improved self-esteem and improved social skills.
BAN also initiated the DR & Haiti Burn Care Network, which seeks to improve burn care and treatment in the region. Since 2010, BAN has treated over 200 burn survivors through 6 medical missions, distributed over 50,000 tons of medical supplies and equipment, and sponsored several surgeons on medical exchange programs.Teaneck lawyer in quest to prevent burns in Haiti. NorthJersey.com, Deena Yellin, September 17, 2011.Local lawyer expands burn network to Haiti. Jewish Standard, Abigail Klein Leichman, June 25, 2010. In order to improve communication between aid workers and local victims, BAN launched the iOS app "French Creole for Aid Workers" in 2011.IPhone App Helps Boost Haitian Recovery Efforts. Devex, Ma. Rizza Leonzon, January 19, 2011.
History Founder Samuel Davis, trial lawyer and lecturer, has worked with burn survivors with serious injuries for over 30 years. After witnessing the positive effects of burn camps on his clients, he began sponsoring individual burn survivors from around the world.Helping Hands: Tenafly's Sam Davis advocates for burn victims. Bergen.com, February 20, 2013. The local operation quickly expanded into an international organization, following the Haiti earthquake. In 2012, Samuel Davis received the Clarence Darrow Award for his ongoing philanthropic work.Teaneck Rotary Honors Attorney With Humanitarian Award. Teaneck Daily Voice, Melissa Heule, December 02, 2015.
Funding
The organization is funded through private donations and fundraising events. By relying on volunteers and interns, BAN is able to keep its camps free for all participants.Financials, Burn Advocates Network
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