A Letter from the Director, Brenda Ballentine:

My name is Brenda Ballantine, MA M.F.T. I began volunteering for the Northern California Burn Foundation in 1993 because I wanted to help children I saw at Camp Eagle Flight who were severely burned. These children, ages five through eighteen, were missing arms, legs, had severe facial disfigurement, scars hidden beneath their clothing, as well as scars within their hearts.

I also had experienced the horror only a mother feels when my own daughter was burned by an accidental spill of boiling water. Because I was not home at the time of the accident, I felt the pain and guilt of a mother’s heart. (If only I would have been there that would never had happened!)  I watched my child suffering, and went through all the steps of learning how to change bandages, etc. after leaving the hospital. I understand what parents go through when their children suffer a tragedy. Years later, my youngest daughter also suffered third degree burns on her leg and foot from a motor accident 

Unfortunately, after twenty five years of marriage I found myself going through a horrible divorce. I could not endure the abuse, or allow my children to suffer any longer. After a long period of mourning the fantasy of “Happily Ever After”, I had to come out of a deep depression and begin life all over again. Giving my time to the Burn Foundation, helping others who were hurting even more than I, was one reason to step up and start over. Brandy Rapley was one of those young children.

During that time my children had the opportunity to go to burn camp and see other children that were also burned, and by so doing their scars took on a different perspective in their own eyes.

Many do not realize that when burn survivors leave the hospital, they may have no support from others. In the United States there is not a place for burn survivors or emergency responders who have been hurt in the line of duty to go when the need arises. Yes, there are summer camps provided once a year in many states, yet burn survivors are burned all year round. It is my plan to provide a resort that is designed specifically for America’s Most Innocent, and America’s Most Brave. Once it is built, it can be a template for others.

I am a public speaker, a Host for a television show titled “On Call”, and I speak on radio shows, to help get the message out. I also have worked with my new husband and the media helping create six one-hour live television shows titled “Hearts for Burned Children”. We are reaching out in any way we can to ask for help.

I had the privilege of meeting Loren while taking a small group of burn survivors to an Anthony Robbins event.  At this event the survivors were able to socialize with regular people and feel accepted and supported.  Most inspiring of all, the survivors took on and conquered, a true Anthony Robbins challenge, that of walking on fire.  Watching these survivors conquer their biggest fear, that of fire, only served to further inspire me to dedicate myself to the NCBF.  I am thankful to Loren for her support, and hope that in this season of giving, Lobella members will open their hearts to the Northern California Burn Foundation and help us build a camp that can be a retreat, and a place of respite and healing for burn survivors.         

My Fight To Live - Brandy Rapely, Burn Survivor

This began at fifteen, thirteen years ago. The pain I held on, too scared to feel, at times I still struggle. I could not believe what I have seen and would not allow myself to feel any of it. Denial was a safe place to hide.

I would not believe what had happened to my life, although I had all the scars to prove it. I wouldn’t believe, not until I was invited to Anthony Robbins, “Unleashing the Power Within” event that began the end of July. I went with a group of burn survivors to San Jose where my life changed dramatically. I began to believe in myself for the first time. Right or wrong, I looked at myself, inside and out. I continue to do so because I was asked this question, “What are your beliefs”?  This question has opened me up like a book.

My name is Brandy Rapley. At fifteen I was involved in a car accident. I was a passenger with my friend and her boyfriend. We were leaving a party (parents came home unexpectedly) with intentions to hit another spot or so I thought. It was a party out in the country. Everyone loaded up in trucks and cars, on our way in a hurry.

I was not expecting or even thinking about any danger. Time flashed, a vivid picture is forever imprinted in my vision. A truck with two people staring right at me slams into the care I was in. I was told we had to have rolled over five times, smashed upside down. The driver was my friend’s boyfriend. He had been drinking, along with the other driver. Everyone except me managed to escape with what seemed to be minor scratches. While I am trapped, the passenger from the other vehicle ran away. I heard he was on probation. Beer cans scattered from the roll, so the remaining people cleared up the evidence so they wouldn’t get in trouble.

Ten minutes later, others at the scene finally notice someone was trapped and about to die. Flames began to erupt and fear sank in. I was tangled, trapped, in pure black, pitch darkness. I lost consciousness. I woke surrounded by confused peers. I lay in a ditch burned on 78% of my body. I couldn’t believe what had happened, how could they leave me trapped, the horror was too great to face.

I probably could have lived my whole life, unaware or not believing my life changed. Thirteen years was long enough. I had an opportunity and took it when I went to see Tony. It was there I met Loren, and we had an opportunity to do an interview. I got another chance, a life I believe in, Mine. I am twenty eight with an unconditional loving family, and two beautiful boys who I adore. I now have a whole life ahead of me to live to the fullest.  

Truly,
Brandy Rapley

To help support the Northern California Burn Foundation, please visit their website http://www.norcalbf.com
or call their office: 530-527-2876.