Burn survivors share powerful stories of healing at Camp Hopetáke

[00:00:00]Summer camps are in full swing across Tampa Bay, but one is offering a very special kind of healing. It gives young burn survivors a safe space to share their stories, build confidence, and just be kids again.

[00:00:11]>> And with the 4th of July holiday fast approaching, it's also a good reminder to be careful. Fox 13's Ariel Plasencia explains.

[00:00:18]>> I really like ice skating though.

[00:00:20]Sometimes I do it at home.

[00:00:22]>> But for Bradenton teen Rianna Byrd, the best part about Thursday at TGH Ice Plex is sharing the ice with those who truly understand her.

[00:00:30]>> Because it makes me feel more confident every year, and I like hanging out with people that are like me.

[00:00:35]>> Six years ago, Rianna was roller skating outside while her aunt cooked inside.

[00:00:40]>> And the pot caught on fire cuz it was like oil, so it got too hot.

[00:00:44]>> So her aunt threw the hot grease outside.

[00:00:46]>> But she didn't see me, and it like got on me.

[00:00:49]But I just like stop, drop, and roll in the grass.

[00:00:53]>> Then 8 years old, burns covered 30% of her body. And after a grueling 3-month recovery at Tampa General Hospital, Rianna found Camp Hopetake, a week-long summer camp of fun activities for burn survivors ages 8 to 17.

[00:01:06]>> Some can have visible scarring, some can have what we call hidden scars where you can hide them with your clothing.

[00:01:11]>> Local firefighters and nurses run the camp and watch the emotional healing firsthand.

[00:01:16]>> It's really nice to see the progression and and you know how they change from being very you know quite frankly embarrassed and self-conscious to opening up.

[00:01:26]>> Sharing stories helps them heal, and some serve as a gentle warning ahead of the July 4th holiday.

[00:01:31]>> Several of our kids are here from firework injuries.

[00:01:34]>> Burns are typically the most common fireworks injury, representing 37% of all emergency room visits. And burn survivors like Rianna will tell you it takes incredible strength to heal.

[00:01:45]>> People that are going through this go through like a really hard time, so you should always like think about oh they're like really strong.

[00:01:52]>> In Tampa, Ariel Plasencia, Fox 13 News.