Letter From Japan

As we are finalizing the last minute details of the itinerary for Europe…I had to take pause when a touching letter arrived for me from Kazuo Sakashita, a burn survivor from Saitama-ken, Japan. I was touched by Mr. Sakashita’s story during our visit in Tokyo, as he was burned many years ago and spent a large part of his life feeling very alone. He shared with me how he watched the Fuji TV Amazing Stories episode in December, which featured my journey as a burn survivor to the Mrs. International crown. The message spoke to him, and he knew it was God’s plan that we should meet. Tears streamed down both of our faces as his words were interpreted, but I can assure you I felt his message long before the interpreter opened her mouth.

Here is the letter sent to me by this lovely individual who lives a world away:

Dear Mrs. Sarah,
Thank you very much for your kind card, which I received on my birthday. It was first time getting birthday card from Mrs. International. I was so moved when I received it. Your encouraging words really cheered up me and I could feel happiness. I am deeply grateful to you.

Well, if you do not mind, I want to send you a picture which your husband took. When you come to Asia, please do come to Japan again and see us. We will always waiting you. I wish you and your family all the good luck.

Sincerely yours,
Kazuo Sakashita

My hopes and dreams of honoring this crown and all that it represents have exceeded any expectation I could have imagined. Meeting individuals like Mr. Sakashita throughout the world has been the most unbelievable journey. I am humbly filled with gratitude to God, to all of the people who have graciously supported me, and I am so very ready to see what treasured memories Europe will hold! I hope you will follow my blog, because we have some incredible events planned in; London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, Rome and Istanbul!

With an abundance of love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Ruff Ryders Football

When James "Rambo" Smith (aka The Singing Fireman) invited me to make a guest appearance at a charity football game in North Carolina between the Wilson Ruff Ryders and the Carolina Rams semi-pro football teams and shared with me the money raised at this particular game would benefit both the UNC Burn Center and the Ronald McDonald House Chapel Hill, I did not hesitate to accept. The appearance turned out to be a weekend filled with wonderful opportunities to meet some truly gracious people.

We started on Saturday morning with a tour of the Contentnea Fire Department in Wilson, North Carolina. This is the station where James serves as a firefighter, and it was a pleasure to meet the men who help to protect this charming community.

With members of the Contentnea Fire Department

As soon as we arrived I was brought out to center field during warm-ups to address both teams. For those of you who do not know my background, I have coached power skating for men's hockey teams from Mites through College and beyond for years, therefore, addressing these athletes felt like a being on home turf. I shared with the players the correlation between their commitment to charity and the commitment of the International Pageant participants. Though I intentionally wore the colors of the team that invited me to the game, I made certain all the players knew that there is nothing more fun than watching a good football game, and as a former football cheer captain I was sincerely looking forward to the afternoon!

Following the National Anthem sung by The Singing Fireman, I again found myself in center field as I was asked to toss the coin for kick-off position. My final responsibility for the afternoon was the presentation of the trophy. Thankfully many of the guys took a knee, but once I handed off the hardware, it was hilarious as I was swallowed up in a sea of shoulder pads and grass stained uniforms. If you look really close, you might be able to find the crown!

Addressing the Ruff Ryders and Carolina Rams. 

Meeting the game Officials. 

Coin toss...tails and the Rams receive! 

Presentation of the game trophy.

The Celebration!

During the game I was kept busy with fans including; two burn survivors who shared their personal stories with me, the Wilson County EMS stopped by, the Jaycees were represented, I addressed the crowd during half-time, also posed for photos and signed autograph cards.

Burn Survivors. 

Wilson County EMS. 

Who doesn't love a megaphone...

Future cheerleaders and football stars!

Carolina Rams Coach. 

Ruff Ryders Owner. 

Ruff Ryder, his brother and mother who delivered the pre-game prayer.

From Wilson we traveled to Chapel Hill, where we were able to score a table at the extremely popular Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery, which happens to be in part owned by James January, another burn survivor...it helps to call ahead and ask one of the owners to dine with you. Once we arrived, January and his friend Peter waved us over and we enjoyed some really good food on the covered and heated roof top patio that overlooks the heart of Chapel Hill.

Peter, James, me, and James

The next day we started in Raleigh with a visit to Fire Station #1 and I witnessed my first live firefighter sliding down the fire pole in action. The Chief was gracious enough to share some time with me and several of the firefighters joined James and me as we walked across the street to visit the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

I wasn't quick enough to capture the blue flash coming down the fire pole for a call, but captured the pole! 

Chief John McGrath.

Firemen with me at the NC Fallen Firefighters Memorial. 

It was time to return to Chapel Hill to tour the Jaycee Burn Center at UNC and Ronald McDonald House. First, we met with the coaches and players in the lobby; presented a donation to the burn center, and then we were guided through our tour by Ernest Grant. It was also nice to be joined by Anthony, who happens to be the son of the Carolina Rams coach, and he is a burn survivor who was cared for at UNC.

We had a chance to see the entire facility, which will soon have a total of 40 beds available. As we met burn care staff and patients, the players were able to ask questions and they even shared an autographed jersey with one special young lady. She was excited about the jersey, but went bananas for my crown!

 Ernest Grant with UNC Burn Center. 

A burn survivor who could not get enough of my bling! 

The team members, coaches, owners, and staff who presented the donation and participated in our tour.

Our final stop was at the Ronald McDonald House. We were given a tour by the weekend house manager, Stacey. This particular house was one that provided a home for Coach, while Anthony was in the burn center. Stacey was presented with gifts for the families and a donation by both teams. While we toured the house one special little girl asked to have her picture taken with me. I signed a head shot for her and gladly smiled with her. What a beautiful way to wrap up my time in North Carolina.

Presentation to the Ronald McDonald House Chapel Hill. 

Was a treat to take a picture with this lovely young lady!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Welcome to Hong Kong!

Our tour guide around Hong Kong for the day was the energetic and very fun Theresa! According to her, the people of Hong Kong; talk fast, walk fast, eat fast, and work hard. Joe and I smiled at each other, because we were arriving at that very conclusion and Joe says she is the Queen of all!

We met Ms. Theresa and Mrs. Frieda Chan, who is the lovely wife of my HBS classmate Mr. Paul Chan, for lunch at the famous Din Tai Restaurant, just a five minute walk from The Park Lane hotel where we stayed. Frieda ordered a variety of traditional Chinese selections and we dined family style.

Joe, Theresa, me and Frieda

The afternoon included some tourist and local favorites such as; the Jumbo floating restaurant, Repulse Bay, the Stanley Market, Murray House, and much more. 

Jumbo. 

Theresa joins us for a photo on the pier where the Jumbo taxi's are boarded. 

Stanley Market. 

Joe and Theresa enjoy a local beer. 

Stanley Market Temple

Following our tour we were driven, to the West Wing of the Central Government Offices in Tamar, Hong Kong. I am so very proud of the accomplishments of my classmate, Mr. Paul Chan who is the Secretary for Development within The Government of Hong Kong.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a very sweet Louisa and escorted to a conference room connected to Paul's office, where Joe and I were introduced to two burn survivors. Crystal Ho is in her early 20's and works with the Hong Kong Burn Association. Stanley Cheung was burned in 1996 and was named in the 2009 Top 10 Most Outstanding Young People. He and his mother are the driving forces behind the newly formed organization. 

Burn Survivor Meeting

Crystal, me, Stanley and Joe

Meeting with Crystal and Stanley gave me some insight into the burn community in Hong Kong, and I was able to share with them information about the Phoenix Society and activities within burn communities from other parts of the world. I want to thank both of these courageous and beautiful individuals for sharing their time with me. And Paul for making this important introduction. 

Paul, Joe and me

Following our meeting, we were invited into Paul's office and had an opportunity to take some photos before departing for dinner. The Chan's hosted a wonderful meal for us in a stunning restaurant overlooking the waterfront. To top off this most amazing day, Paul and Frieda took us to the "Peak," which is the highest point in Hong Kong. We walked along a path high above the city and were able to take in the most breathtaking views...it was from here that I can understand the reason Hong Kong is the "Pearl of the Orient!" 

Paul, Frieda, Joe and me after a wonderful dinner together! 

View of the Peak.

Before leaving for Manila, Joe and I explored Causeway Bay and captured a couple photos to share; one with a traditional Lion, which is intended to protect and one of Joe relaxing on a bench in the park across from our hotel. 

One of two Lions. 

A moment to relax.

My warmest appreciation to the Chan's and our other hosts during our stay in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, The Peoples Republic of China.

Best wishes forever,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Phoenix Society Japan

In 1991, the Phoenix Society Japan for Burn Survivors and Their Families was founded because of the passion of a few good men who believed there was a need for support in the burn community. One of those individuals was Mr. Masayuki TEJIMA, who was introduced to the founder of the original Phoenix Society (Alan Breslau) through reading a book.

Once Mr. TEJIMA met with Alan and learned about the mission of the Phoenix Society, they created an organization of their own. The current President of the Phoenix Society Japan is Mr. Masaru NISHIGAKI, who himself was severely burned. It was such an honor to be able to meet both men and to learn of their history from the very beginning.

My time with the Phoenix Society Japan was spent at the gorgeous Hotel Nikko Tokyo and included 22 participants from around Japan. The afternoon commenced with an hour presentation given on both my personal burn story and the current activities of the Phoenix Society for which I represent. Mr. TEJIMA was kind enough to handle all translation both in print and as I presented. His daughter Aya also assisted as the members in attendance started to share with me their individual and very personal stories.

We engaged in an Q & A session, I was presented with a gift and flowers, followed by photos with the Tokyo skyline in the background, a very nice buffet dinner, and introductions by each attendee...which were so thoughtful and touching. Many of those in attendance had watched the Fuji TV production of "Amazing Stories" on which Joe and I were featured, and several believed it was destiny that we should meet. Tears were shed, there were moments of laughter and though I bowed with respect...a hug was shared with each individual.

We will never forget the time spent with the Phoenix Society Japan, and to say Arigato Gozaimasu does not even come close to expressing the appreciation Joe and I feel for these amazing and thoughtful people.

Please enjoy these photos!:

As I was giving my presentation with Mr. Tejima translating from the left side podium.

President Mr. Nishigaki presented me with a plaque on behalf of the Phoenix Society Japan and to the right in the photo is Mr. Tejima.

I bow in appreciation for the flowers being presented by Naomi, burned 61 years ago.

Naomi and me

Joe and me with the members of the Phoenix Society Japan

The Noro family, whose daughter was burned in a bath when she was four years old.

Emi is a beautiful young lady who was also burned as a baby and today has a fabulous smile!

Left to Right; Aya, Mizuho, me, Joe and Masayuki

Mr. International delivering a toast to the entire group, which was very nice.

Joe and I before we departed the Hotel Nikko Tokyo.

Warmest wishes,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Regions Hospital Holiday Party

I told the audience that I felt like I was “home”…and when I enter the doors to Regions Hospital in some ways that is exactly how I feel. You see, for burn patients we experience a loss of many things; skin, decorum, privacy, and control. We are forced to trust the burn team with every aspect of our lives from food and water, bodily functions, our schedule, who we can and cannot see, they manage our pain to the best of their ability and they torture us to heal us…

This may sound a bit morbid and depressing, but when you occupy a bed in a burn center this is your reality and you no longer care about the normal stuff; when can I get to the grocery store, did I sign that contract on my desk at the office, did I take the laundry out of the dryer, will my spouse be up for a movie tonight…the only things that run through your mind are; how can I survive this pain, when is my next surgery, do I have to have the heparin shot in my belly again (every 8 hours for 50 days), can I calm my heart as it is beating at 185 while I am trying to rest, will they pull more staples out of me in the tub today…these thoughts consume you 24 hours a day because there is no morning, noon, or night to a critical patient.

Because of this experience, you become dependent on the individuals who sustain you and control your life. A burn center becomes your whole world; where you are safe, secure, no one stares, and you know you owe your life to the people around you. Leaving a burn center and your burn team is scary and often a very uncomfortable time in the recovery process.

When Mikki Rothbauer, Social Worker for our burn center asked me to speak at the annual Holiday Party in the atrium of the hospital, I did not hesitate to accept. These are my people, my family if you will, and it was a special evening to be able to share with them my new role as Mrs. International 2012 and remind us all that we are survivors and blessed to be alive!

Mikki, Lily & Me

Thank you to Mikki for the invitation, the Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association and Regions Hospital Burn Center for hosting the wonderful holiday party! Also, my appreciation goes to the children who smiled for the camera with me…and especially to my SOAR buddy Hamida shown below.

With Stephanie and her Mother

Morgan, Abby, and me

 

Hamida and me

Teria and me

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012