For Immediate Release
Bali Bomb survivor says Burns Camps are ‘essential’
Galston, NSW -
26
TH
October -
If anyone knows how important it is to have a strong support network and
access to
professional assistance when you need it most, it is Bali bomb survivor Andrew Csabi. Andrew
suffered terrible burns in 2002 when the Balinese nightclub he was in was bombed by terrorists. After losing a
leg and a foot in the horrific accident as well as sustaining permanent scarring across his body, Andrew admits
that dealing with his injuries was something he really struggled with at first, but through a good support
network and counseling he was able to break through the emotional barriers and move forward with his life.
Andrew is now running a successful security company in the Gold Coast
and the Harley Davidson enthusiast
gives motivational speeches around Australia to help those with disabilities overcome their individual demons
and assure them that they are not alone.
After speaking at a Day of Difference Foundation event, Andrew recently learnt about the Family Burns Camps
that Day of Difference
Foundation
fund
and thought that they were fantastic for both the emotional and
physical recovery
of a burns survivor. Andrew
commented
that,
“if I had
known something like these camps
existed after my experience, I would have definitely participated”. Andrew is now planning to attend the next
Burns Camp
being held
in May,
to share his experience and inspirational story with the children Day of
Difference Foundation support.
The Day of Difference funded burns camps are organised and coordinated by burns survivors with the support
of their families and the professionally trained volunteers of the Burns Support Foundation. The camps provide
a safe environment for burns survivors to feel accepted and regain their self-esteem. They also enable
survivors and their families to talk to one another about their experiences, seek counseling if necessary and
enjoy some much needed respite. There is the chance to meet some really special people and make some new
friends.
There are two
family camps a year and on the weekend burns survivors and their families had a great time
enjoying the Family Burns Camp at Galston Gorge, which included
fun and exciting activities throughout the
three-day weekend, such as archery, canoeing, tree-climbing and abseiling, along with group counseling
sessions facilitated by a Support Coordinator. There were 60 families that attended the camp and Ron Delezio,
Chief Executive Officer
and Founder of the Day of Difference Foundation attended the camp with his son
Mitchell on Sunday. Ron Delezio stated that, “it was a fantastic opportunity for the kids and their families to
enjoy the company of others
who have been through similar experiences and try and overcome some of the
emotional strains that are associated with burns.”
The camp was funded by the Day of Difference Foundation, a national children’s charity working for critically
injured kids. Day of Difference provides much needed hospital equipment and facilities to save children’s lives,
funds research into burns and skin technology and supports critically injured children and their families on their
journey from emergency to recovery.
~ends~
Key Facts
The event took place from 23rd, 24th and 25th October 2009.
It took place at:
Galston Gorge
8 Crusader Road
Galston NSW 2159
For more information, please contact:
Madeleine Bennett, Day of Difference Foundation
(02) 8920 9000 or 0424 638 855
maddie@dayofdifference.org.au
About Day of Difference Foundation
Day of Difference Foundation is a national children’s charity founded in November 2004 by the parents of little
Sophie Delezio who suffered unimaginable burns to 85% of her body in a terrible accident at her child care
centre. Day of Difference provides
much needed hospital equipment and
facilities to save children’s lives,
funds research into burns and skin technology and supports critically injured children and their families on their
journey from emergency to recovery. The charity also advocates for the safety of children to help prevent
injuries and through community education programs promotes the acceptance of all children who are
different.
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