The anniversary of the date of your burn injury trauma is a date for many that can be filled with lots of emotions, thoughts, and memories. For many, the date of your burn injury can bring both happiness of survival, while also mourning the loss and difficult tragedy that was the injury. In the burn survivor community, the ‘burniversary’ as it is called, doesn’t come with a set of instructions with the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways to do it—the day itself is solely up to the survivor themselves how they choose to honor it. 

In this episode, Amber and Rachel talk about their own burniversaries; Rachel celebrates 25 years on April 1st, and Amber celebrates 3 years on April 4th. The girls dive into what a burniversary is or is not, how it can be celebrated or mourned, and discuss all of the unique ways they have heard of other survivors choosing to spend that day. They take questions from the audience live and share their own personal thoughts about what a trauma anniversary is like from the point of view of a survivor.

About Rachel Kudlak

Rachel Kudlak is a burn survivor and marketing professional residing in Charleston, South Carolina. As the Marketing Lead, Rachel manages and leads Phoenix Society’s marketing and digital strategies. Before joining Phoenix Society’s team, Rachel served as the Marketing and Communications Phoenix Fellow and worked in the SEO/ORM industry. When not working, Rachel enjoys going on walks with her dog Remy, trying a new recipe, or binge-watching reality tv.

About Amber Wilcox

Amber Wilcox is a burn survivor, yoga instructor, and marketing professional from Ormond Beach, Florida. After her kitchen accident in 2020, Amber faced burns on 20% of her body from a hot caramel spill. After two skin graft surgeries from Orlando Regional Burn Center, Amber experienced hypertrophic scarring and underwent a series of laser burn surgeries at Tampa General Hospital. As a Revenue Operations Strategist, Amber enjoys helping a wide range of industry clients with their marketing and revenue needs. Amber enjoys volunteering for the Phoenix Society as a Peer Supporter, practicing yoga, and enjoying sunny Florida with her husband, dachshund Nala, and their soon-to-be baby boy! 

Resources from the Show

• Read about ways survivors honor their burniversaries
• What is the burniversary effect?
• Learn more about virtual support from Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
• Read Amber’s virtual open mic
• Share your burn story
• Learn about providing peer support

About Gropper & Nejat

For over 25 years, the team at Gropper & Nejat have helped individuals who have suffered fractures, surgeries, amputations, severe burns and other injuries get the financial reparations they deserve. If you are local to the New York, New Jersey, or PA areas, contact them today for a free evaluation of your case! https://www.groppernejat.com/

Sponsor Girls with Grafts 

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

Enjoyed the show? 

Tell us on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!