Skip to main content
North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

The Burn Survivor Reunion is an annual gathering designed for the whole family to bring inspiration and hope through formal presentations and informal times of sharing. Activities allow people to network with other survivors and their families and discover available resources.

Please Join Us for Our 32nd Annual “Celebration of Life” Burn Survivors’ Reunion

Saturday, November 4, 2023

The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education
100 Friday Center Drive | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Photo of survivors from previous reunions

Only children ages 13 and older may attend. 

This event offers survivors, their families and friends, members of the fire service, current and former Burn Center staff, and community volunteers an opportunity to come together to share stories of recovery, struggle, and hope. The day is filled with fun, food, and fellowship and is provided to you at no cost through the generous contributions of donors and friends of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center.

The pandemic has brought change in our lives in so many ways. In 2020 our reunion had to be held virtually. Not quite the same as gathering together. We are grateful to have our reunion in person again this year. With safety for all as our main concern, there will also be some changes that we must make in order to meet in person. Masks will be strongly encouraged –especially for those are not vaccinated, are immunocompromised, or at risk in any way- while in the Friday Center (except while actively eating/drinking). We hope you understand. We look forward to seeing you as we have missed you, and we know you have missed each other.

You may call (919) 962-8427 with any questions regarding the event.

Please check back for further details about our 11/4/2023 event. 

November 4: Celebration of Life 2023 details and registration 

Past Event:  Celebration of Life details – from 2022

In the News

The 2018 Burn Survivor Reunion was profiled by Spectrum News.

History of the Reunion

In October 1991, the first Burn Survivor Reunion was held through the determination and vision of Shirley Massey, then Burn Center Chaplain. She realized there was a lack of programming for adult burn survivors. At that time, the Medical Director could not imagine that burn survivors or their families would have any desire to return to the place where they experienced such pain and suffering. However, to his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive which laid the foundation for developing more formalized aftercare.

Attendees over the years have traveled from Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, England, and across North Carolina, and include survivors and their families, North Carolina fire personnel, Burn Center staff and other health care professionals, community supporters and volunteers, as well as guests from North Carolina and the southeast region of the country.

 

For more information, please contact Aftercare at 919-962-8427 or refer to our Contacts page.