How Firefighters For Healing came to be.
Our mission is to support burn survivors and their families, firefighters and first responders. We seek to provide support, guidance, education, and comfort in ways that care professionals and insurance companies are unable.
Our vision is to be a beacon of hope, empathy and compassion for the burn community and also our hero first responders in ways that inspire others to do the same.
To be a leading resource to burn survivors, firefighters, first responders and their families at a time when they need it most.
Compassion | Empathy | Respect | Integrity | Family
After my accident in 2010, I was laying in the burn unit not knowing how I was going to get through the next minute. Two little boys who were admitted to the room next to me changed that for me. I was a fireman and knew the consequences of my actions. Their burn trauma was no fault of their own. They showed me that I have a choice in how I respond to what I was feeling. I could be sad and lie there or I could find the energy to survive this. They taught me to HOPE and be STRONG and do whatever I needed to get through the next minute and the next hour. In return, I was inspired to do something to help them. I wasn’t exactly sure what that something would be but I knew the WHY.
I was rolled out of the hospital in a wheelchair. It was a shock to my system to feel the sun shining on my face, to feel the breeze against my cheek and to see the bright blue skies above. I was so thankful to be alive. These basic things instantly gave me a renewed perspective and a sensation that I was healing from the inside out. Life took on a new meaning for me as my made my first steps into my new life as a burn survivor.
I didn’t know at the time, but meeting those two boys would be the foundation of my purpose of my life’s work. The local community and my brothers and sisters from Minneapolis Fire organized my first fundraiser. The LOVE and SUPPORT continued to help me heal and think about next steps.
Eventually I felt prompted to strategically think about where I could have the most impact. Over the last 10 years, we have gifted families in need of hotel stays, food, clothing, cab fare, etc. We hosted events and fundraisers year after year. We grew our board and our roster of volunteers. We can do these things because we are up close and personal with patients, patient families, nurses and doctors to help us understood their needs and challenges. We listen, we talk through possible solutions and we find a way to bring Joy, hope and relief.
Creating and building Firefighters For Healing has forever changed my heart and my life.
From the most sincere place in my heart, I invite you to join us!
Jake
Your donation makes a huge difference in the lives of burn survivors, firefighters and their families.
Our daughter lived 2,000 miles from home in Duluth. When she was injured, she was flown to the level 1 trauma center at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. We did not have a support network there until Jake and Firefighters For Healing offered us a stable home and unwavering support. They really provided unconditional love to hold us up in our time of need.
Firefighters for Healing is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)3) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible, subject to rules and regulations of the IRS. Please consult your tax professional for instructions on filing this deduction. Firefighters for Healing will provide a receipt with our federal tax-exempt ID for such purposes.
Mailing: Firefighters For Healing
PO Box 374, Champlin, MN 55316
