Palm Springs Welcomes ABA

The American Burn Association (ABA) hosted its 45th Annual Meeting in sun drenched Palm Springs, California. As a member of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors national board of directors, I am obligated to attend this event, which is held near the beginning of the convention each year in a different part of the country. For our organization to be so closely affiliated with the medical community dedicated to providing burn care, we consider this to be an important relationship. How awesome it is for doctors and other medical personnel to want to learn from us as survivors, and how important it is for us to support their efforts.

During this board meeting, I was able to share with the other directors a re-cap of my tour through the Asian Pacific as Mrs. International. The board learned about my speech to the Phoenix Society Japan and how 22 survivors traveled from around the country to spend a day with me in Tokyo. They also heard about the stories those survivors shared with me, and how similar their activities are to our own. I told them about my meeting in Hong Kong, China, with the burn survivors starting the Hong Kong Burn Association. We discussed my tour of the burn unit in the heart of Manila, Philippines, which I found to be life changing. And, I shared my appreciation for the board supporting the burn survivor meeting held in Sydney, Australia, which turned out to be a reunion of survivors including the founder of the Phoenix Society.

This report was well received and I was thrilled to share my itinerary for the European tour commencing in just days! I cannot adequately thank the members of the board and staff for their support, encouragement, and assistance when needed. One of my stated goals as Mrs. International 2012 was to connect the burn community around the world…and with the help of so many…mission is being accomplished!

Room with a view!

American Burn Association Banner

With sincere appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Support Team Phoenix!

As I speak to groups around the world, I have found there is an overwhelming desire on behalf of the audience to want to give back, reach out, or somehow respond to my message about the burn community. For months I was not able to articulate an appropriate response, therefore, it was with the help of some wonderful individuals who were willing to find a solution that we developed the Support Team Phoenix link and have finally made it available to you.

If you are reading this message and have followed my story, you already know that I am a burn survivor and an active member of the Phoenix Society. This organization, which is named after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes brighter than before, is dedicated to burn survivors, their loved ones, and care providers. One of my fellow burn survivors and co-board member is the fabulous JR Martinez, who graciously posed for a photo with me, which is displayed on our site. Thank you again JR!

We determined there are several ways in which support can be shown (two of which are free). Please be clear this is not a solicitation, however, we felt it is important to add a donation option for those readers/listeners who may feel a financial contribution is how they would like to show support.

At this time, I am personally inviting you to take a few minutes to consider option #1 of sending a message, a prayer, a poem, or words of encouragement. The Phoenix Society’s annual World Burn Congress is an important event for the burn community and I would be so honored to share with the survivors who attend in Rhode Island October 9 – 12, 2013, words written by the thoughtful individuals who have followed this journey! My goal is to capture at least 100 messages from the International pageant family…so please… even just a few words would be fabulous and appreciated more than you can know!

The links can be found below…and thank you in advance for caring enough to share your message!

Three ways to make a BIG difference:

Send a Message –
Sarah represents a community of burn survivors thousands strong who are encouraged by your kind words. Please follow the link below to leave a quote, a thought, or an encouraging word. (Once on the page, please scroll down to the "reply window" at the bottom). Your inspirational messages will be displayed here and featured at the Phoenix Society’s annual gathering, World Burn Congress.  http://psburnsurvivors.wordpress.com/join-sarah-support-team-phoenix

Donate –
Everyone affected by a burn injury deserves the support and tools they need to thrive again. Together we can ensure that burn survivors everywhere get back to living. Donating is fast, easy and secure! We now accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express! To donate, please click here:  https://www.phoenix-society.org/waystogive/donations/

Join Us –
Phoenix Society has lively communities on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Use the power of social media to join our online community, find the latest news, join our mailing list and invite others to be a part of this life-changing work.

With sincere appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

In Honor of Elaina Dupris

The message below was written for my friends and family on July 9, 2011, just hours after I learned of the death of a very special person in my life. It is important to understand that as a Survivor Offering Assistance in Recover (SOAR) volunteer, the time we spend with a burn patient or their family is usually quite private, therefore, I rarely have an opportunity to share these amazing stories of survival with my own loved ones.

However, Elaina was different because she actually spent some precious moments with my own family. She was a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Tribe, which is located in North Dakota, and she taught me a great deal about her community. Joe and I drove to North Dakota to attend her visitation and the tribe honored her foster mom and me with a burial blanket in a gesture of appreciation for the care we gave Elaina. This blanket will forever be one of my most treasured gifts as it represents a beautiful soul, a wonderful relationship, and a connection to a community I never expected. I have chosen to share these very personal words with you in remembrance of Elaina …because she survived a house explosion that occurred two years ago today, on April 4, 2011.

To Anyone Who’s Life Has Been Touched by Another Unexpectedly,
In honor of Elaina Camille Dupris – June 11, 1994 to July 8, 2011

As with any SOAR connection, I will respect Elaina’s privacy regarding sensitive issues, however, I am able to tell the story from my perspective with enough detail to share the ways in which she touched my life. And, it is my sincere hope that I was able to touch hers.

On May 4th, I was asked to make a SOAR visit to a 16-year-old girl at Regions Hospital Burn Center. As part of the process I was given some background information, however, I was warned this one might be a difficult case.

Exactly one month earlier, Elaina was severely burned in a house explosion. She had been mostly unaware of her surroundings for the better part of the month. I met her on Saturday afternoon, May 7th, and she was in rough shape. My early visits to Elaina were while she was in isolation and she was putting up quite a fight against numerous infections in addition to her burn injuries. 

When I arrived it was necessary for me to check in with her nurse, wash up, put on a gown, face mask, hair net, and gloves. The only thing Elaina could see were my eyes. She loved my eyes and kept telling me how beautiful they were....and she said that she believed hers were “common.” I told her repeatedly how gorgeous her eyes were, and watched her lashes grow back a little more each time I saw her. 

Elaina had stunning brown eyes that looked directly into mine, as if she were looking beyond them. Her features were classic, at least as I envisioned an American Indian. Even as she was unable to sit up or move in her hospital bed, I could tell she was tall and lean. She proudly informed me that she was 5’9” and not done growing. 

We shared many conversations about her accident, the pain she was feeling, the care she was being given, stories about her family and friends, her likes and dislikes, her fears and her dreams. Elaina was completely uninhibited with her words when we spoke. I trusted her and I believe she trusted me, which, for this young girl was not an easy thing to do.

From the first SOAR visit, and every visit that followed, Elaina asked me just before I left, when I could come back. She was meticulous about knowing the time that nurses came on and off duty, when she needed her meds, and when I could commit to a next visit.

Before I left for Greece, I felt the need to inform Elaina when I would be going and when I would return. She was still in isolation, but because I knew she loved animals and I had described Tonka to her, I brought a couple pictures on my phone. She said she had been dreaming about Tonka, and when I showed her the pictures, she said he was exactly what she had seen in her dreams. 

I sent her a postcard from Santorini, and brought her back a sterling bracelet with the Greek symbol known as the “key to life.” She was able to put it on by herself, which was a very big deal...and she seemed to like it very much. More importantly, she said she missed me, and was happy I was home. I told her I missed her too...and I did. Unfortunately, she had some serious difficulties while I was away, which is a part of the burn experience.

As she healed, I started bringing Tonka in his bag to visit Elaina. She met him for the first time sitting in her wheel chair on the roof top patio. He popped up and made her giggle, and they adored each other. Tonka obviously possesses that animal gift of knowing where there is a booboo, and he was so very gentle with Elaina and her burned hands.

I asked Elaina to keep his visits a secret, and she did. I wanted to inform the hospital staff that I had brought Tonka with me, and thankfully they agreed he was a positive for her. 

Elaina’s 17th birthday was on June 11th, and she was so very excited to have her grandmother, uncle and two cousins visit. The burn unit staff threw a party for her, and gave her the perfect gifts...basketball attire. I stopped by to bring her gifts as well, and Joe returned with me later that evening to give her an autographed Lynx WNBA ball. Throughout our visits she and Joe were comparing NBA notes via me. It was actually kind of cute. 

We were informed that Elaina was a talented athlete, and she told me that she dreamed of playing professionally. I have no doubt that dream could have been a reality. When I watched Elaina dribble, pretend to shoot, and learn to walk again, I could just see the athletic ability. 

On two occasions, I took Elaina from the hospital on passes. The first trip was on my Mother’s 84th birthday for a party at our home in Minneapolis. She met several of my family members and our friend Rob from Steamboat Springs. She ate KFC like it was going out of style, which made a lot of sense, since she had only had her feeding tube removed a few days prior. She watched “Cars” with my great nephew in the home theater, and took a much-needed nap. On the way back, she asked to see more of the city, so we took a little tour.

The second trip was to The Goodrich Place. My sister and her family have a beautiful farm in Wisconsin with plenty of animals. Since Elaina dreamed of owning a ranch someday, preferably in Montana, which she had never seen...we started with the horses and moved onto the cattle. As we drove through the pasture on an ATV, she held onto Tonka and seemed to enjoy being in the outdoors. The afternoon was spent relaxing on the patio and dinner was one of her favorite meals...lasagna.

I didn’t get Elaina back to the hospital until 9:00 that evening, and even though she was tired, she made me a promise. She promised to view the next step in her life as an opportunity. The following day she would be meeting her new foster mom, and leaving the safe haven that burn victims often attach themselves to, which is the burn center. 

When I left the burn center, the same year that Elaina was born, I was afraid...and I had more support than a person could wish for...a fiancée who was amazing, a mother and father who never left my side, siblings, other family and friends that never stopped offering to give of themselves for every and anything I needed. 

In her case, she was about to meet a new person who would become her primary care provider, move into a new home, in a new city, with new medical and therapeutic support, and not know a single person. As I hugged her good-bye and closed the door behind me, I made it a few feet to the nurses stand to complete the necessary paperwork....and I lost it. I was in pain for Elaina, and scared for her future. 

For burn survivors, the process is a wild roller coaster ride. This was part of her ride, and for the next week or so, there were some difficult times. I ached for this young person and wanted so badly to help her, but just as badly, wanted to believe in the system and hoped it would work for Elaina.
Joe asked me a very honest question in the middle this relationship, which was, “why this one, what is it about her that makes your SOAR relationship so different?” It was an easy answer, “someone is home.” I went on to explain how special I found Elaina to be; she is bright, sweet, funny, honest, has interesting opinions, is both mature in some ways and so innocent in other ways, and talented. I didn’t need to see her dribble a ball...she gave me a good enough explanation to visualize her in action. I know she was amazing.

After the day she spent at our home, I told Joe and Rob that she even said good-bye to the two of them like a jock...they laughed and agreed...and had noticed the same thing. Elaina told me she wasn’t that into boys...and I would guess it was because she was more interested in kicking their butts on a court. Which works for me.

Elaina kept the promise she made me, and Thursday night, just two days ago...she and Jamie called me. We chatted, laughed, caught up on all of the recent events including; bandage changes, baths, therapies, a visit to the ER, nerve growth, meals, how she was healing, and she was really excited about the carrot and orange juice that Jamie had her try. She said she could taste the vegetable at first and then the fruit later...she really liked it. 

Jamie was doing a truly wonderful job caring for my friend, and for that I will forever be grateful. I was so thrilled about the conversation; I called a special person with the burn team, who introduced me to Elaina in the first place. I left a message on Friday morning to share how well things seemed to be going. Unfortunately, later that day we attended a very sad and unexpected funeral for a young man, which was nothing short of heart wrenching, and later in the evening we celebrated a young couple getting married.

It was an emotionally exhausting day; therefore, I didn’t answer my cell phone when it rang early Saturday morning...this morning....but I got up anyway and listened to the voice message. It was Jamie, who was letting me know Elaina was gone. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and called Jamie immediately. Joe was right next to me while Jamie talked me through the entire day yesterday, which was one of Elaina’s best. She went to sleep peacefully and didn’t even want her pain meds. She stopped breathing sometime during the night. 

It is impossible for me to understand why Elaina is gone. She had a remarkable spirit, which touched many of us. She was thoughtful, warm, caring, with so many dreams, in spite of the challenges she had been forced to endure. She shared stories with me, both good and bad about her culture...and every time it rains I will remember what her great grandmother taught her...that letting the rain fall on your hair makes it grow. It may sound silly, but she believed, and so every time it rains...I will think of this beautiful young girl that touched my heart and soul.

I will miss you Elaina, however, I believe God will bless you and keep you safe. He will keep his promises to you and I know you believed in him. 

Elaina, your life was far too short and you endured more pain than anyone should ever feel. I share my memories of you with others on the anniversary of your injury, because you deserve to be celebrated and as a burn survivor I know that day changed everything…it is the reason our lives connected…and part of God’s plan for you and me.

Elaina Dupris and Mrs. Minneapolis International at The Goodrich Place in Wisconsin

With love,

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

The Beautiful City of Tokyo!

Konnichiwa (Hello) from Tokyo, Japan! Joe and I crossed the date line and arrived in Japan on the evening of January 4th. Our hotel is located next to the Imperial Palace and is simply spectacular!

We already love it here and have met the most gracious and elegant people. Dinner was at our hotel and hosted by the founding member and true force behind the Phoenix Society Japan for Burn Survivors and Their Families. Mr. Masayuki Tejima along with his lovely wife and daughter are so very nice and we are sincerely looking forward to spending more time with them and the burn survivor community later today.

Mizuho, Aya, Masayuki TEJIMA, along with Joseph and me

In fact, I will be giving an hour presentation to burn survivors from around Japan, they will be giving me a presentation, and then we are sharing in a celebration this evening. What a dream I am living...

Arigato Gozaimasu (Thank You) to Mr. Tejima and his family, the Phoenix Society USA and Japan, my fabulous Harvard classmate Mr.Mori Sato, and all the individuals who have been willing to help me make this a reality!

Love to you all,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Phoenix Society Board Retreat in Chicago

In a previous blog posted back in September, I wrote about my personal views of the importance and responsibility of serving on a board of directors. This post is going to take those views a step further and highlight the value of a board retreat.

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I flew into Chicago for a Phoenix Society Board Retreat, which we have done every year around the same time and in various parts of the country. The reason for such a meeting is to give directors the ability to focus on an organization with a deeper and more thoughtful contemplation. Sometimes it is simply difficult to accomplish the leadership responsibilities of a board within an hour or two structured meeting. This is the opportunity to brainstorm and consider strategy or changes in strategy, as well as, any other topic deemed important and timely to the organization.

Directors usually travel to a location that is neutral, central if possible, and will have minimal distractions. Agenda and document preparation is important, and the more prepared everyone is when they arrive, the better the outcome. It is also imperative, in my humble opinion, that the attendees find the time to enjoy themselves and develop as a cohesive group outside the meeting space, with a nice dinner, an activity, or some other fun event. We usually host a dinner with the directors and as many staff or management as possible, which has helped to build a very nice working relationship.

This may be quite elementary information to many of you, but unfamiliar to others…and I would challenge anyone interested in participating in a charitable or community organization to view the responsibility as an honor. If you are passionate about the cause; the time you spend, the energy you give, and the financial commitment you make to the best of your financial ability will come back to you in spades!

Best wishes to all,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Asian and Australian Tour Announcement

In the spirit of inclusion, this blog is a reprint of the press release announcing an international tour of Asia and Australia. If you are reading this blog, believe in the values and mission of the International title, have an interest in the goals stated in the release, or simply want to have an excuse to see the world and meet some phenomenal people, please know that you are invited!

MRS. INTERNATIONAL 2012, SARAH BAZEY,

ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL TOUR THROUGH

ASIA AND AUSTRALIA

 

Join Sarah on this journey of connecting people around the world

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Minneapolis, MN) – November 20– Mrs. International 2012, Sarah Bazey, announces the release of her itinerary for an international tour of Asia and Australia. The January 2013 tour will highlight Bazey’s three stated goals of; honoring the Mrs. International title, sharing a message of living a heart-healthy life, and connecting the burn survivor community worldwide.

The tour is scheduled to kick off in Los Angeles, California on December 31, 2012, and will include visits to Tokyo, Japan; Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China; Manila, Philippines; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Sydney, Australia; and Honolulu, Hawaii, before returning to Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 19, 2013.

Bazey’s Harvard Business School classmates are especially recognized for their assistance with hosting and development for the tour, while the American Heart Association, World Heart Federation, and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors have also offered valuable support and encouragement.

For specific Asian and Australian tour itinerary details and event information, preliminary May 2013 European tour details, and information about how to participate in either tour, please visit www.sarahbazey.com.

Tour Goals:
Upon being crowned, Bazey stated, “As Mrs. International 2012, it is my privilege to represent the title and all that it embodies; elegance, integrity, commitment to family, accomplishments of married women and a devotion to charitable causes. It is often said that a crown can open doors, but it is my hope that this very special crown will open borders.”

Beyond the crown, the true mission of the International Pageant System is to make a difference in the world, which is exemplified by its national alliance with the American Heart Association and its “Go Red for Women” campaign. Bazey will share the message of living a heart-healthy life throughout the United States and with World Heart Federation members abroad.

Bazey, who was severely burned in a helicopter crash in 1994, will also promote her platform of burn awareness and education on behalf of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. “It is my mission to connect the burn survivor community throughout the world – including the family and friends of burn survivors and the medical community – to help others as they journey through the pain and fear associated with these injuries,” she states.

Sarah Bazey:
    A Harvard Business School graduate and an accomplished business professional, Bazey is the owner and president of Minneapolis-based Simplex Construction Supplies, Inc. She proudly serves as vice president of the National Board of Trustees for the Phoenix Society, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering burn survivors through support programs, education and advocacy.

Since 1995, Bazey also has served as a volunteer to help burn patients at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.  In 2001, the Phoenix Society launched its Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program and Bazey has continued to volunteer at the hospital through the SOAR program.  Additionally, she has been a keynote speaker for the Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress, which was held this September in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year’s conference featured co-Board of Trustees member, J. R. Martinez, a burn survivor and veteran of the Iraqi War and winner of ABC Television’s 2011 season of Dancing with the Stars.

Mrs. International Pageant System:
The Mrs. International Pageant is the only platform-based system and is owned and operated by International Pageants, Inc., which also operates the Miss International and Miss Teen International competitions.  Mrs. International showcases married women from ages 21 through 56 and includes their husbands as an integral part of the event.  For more information visit www.mrsinternational.com.

Warmest Regards,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Phoenix Society Founder Alan Breslau

The mythical bird called the Phoenix was the inspiration for a society focused on rising from the ashes and being reborn more brilliant than before…just as the legendary bird. In 1963, Alan Breslau was extensively burned in the crash of a commercial airliner, and he went on to become the Founder of the Phoenix Society in 1977. Today the organization is the largest of its kind, and though it is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it has reached the burn community around the world.

Alan worked tirelessly to expand the burn survivor network from an office in his home in Pennsylvania, and even with modest resources was able to touch thousands of lives. He retired in 1998 and the Board of Trustees worked hard to raise the necessary funds to hire and Executive Director and developed a strategy to fulfill Alan’s dreams.

It was my privilege to visit with both Alan and his lovely wife Delwyn during the World Burn Congress earlier this month. Alan also signed a copy of his book “The Beauty of Disfigurement,” which I am currently reading with awe and respect. The Breslau’s now reside in New Zealand, and I hope to connect with them in early 2013 during a tour as Mrs. International that will take me to the neighboring Australia.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

The Importance of Board Membership

For many of the women who participate in the International Pageant System, serving on a board of directors for a given charity or non-profit organization is a responsibility for which we have decided to commit. This level of service and passion regarding charitable work is one of the many attributes of the Mrs. International Pageant that motivates women from around the world to seek this prestigious title. My personal road to serving as an officer on the National Board of Trustees for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors started years ago.

In 1995, just months after I was released from the hospital (after being severely burned in a helicopter crash), I found myself volunteering to meet with burn victims and family members in an informal manner. I was compelled to connect with these people who were in pain and scared, and to assure them they could become survivors.

As the years progressed I was introduced to the Phoenix Society, and specifically the Survivors Offering Assistance in Recover (SOAR) program, which was a new concept in 2001. SOAR was developed to connect those who had endured a burn injury with those in the process of treatment. I quickly volunteered at Regions Hospital to be trained. Shortly after I completed the SOAR initiation, I was asked to join the National Advisory Committee for the organization and went on to become the Co-Chair of the committee.

A year later Amy Acton, Executive Director of the Phoenix Society formally asked me to submit my résumé to the National Board of Trustees for a position on the board. I accepted the invitation, knowing that there were serious commitments involved in participating on such a board; significant travel, financial commitment, and a dedication of time and energy to serving the burn community. The board voted affirmatively and I was promptly elected as the Chair of the Investment Committee. Soon after, I was elected as Treasurer of the organization, and last year was elected as the Vice President.

I am sharing the journey of serving a non-profit with you, because for those who may not know, the commitment is very real and very important. Serving on any board, for that matter, is an opportunity to lead, to make change when necessary, and a responsibility that should not be underestimated. Fortunately for me at the age of 46, I have had many opportunities to serve on boards of various types; corporations, charities, non-profits, foundations, professional organizations and community groups. In nearly every case I have chaired committees, served as an officer, and on almost each board served as President or Chairperson of the Board. Regardless of the type of board, I have consistently taken my role as a leader to heart.

I could not be more honored to be affiliated with the Phoenix Society, which is the largest organization of its kind, serving the burn community throughout the world. Both the members of this board, and the staff who get the job done every day, are exceptional individuals who have a sincere passion about the mission of this organization. In the center of this photo is the founder, Alan Breslau (seated in the wheelchair) , to his right is our Executive Director, Amy Acton and I was thrilled to stand to his left. The remaining members of the Board of Trustees who were in attendance at our meeting in Milwaukee, WI on September 12, 2012 are (left to right); Don Cheley, Billy Leahy, Vickie Pritchett, Tim Sendelbach, Pat Horan, Tony Burke, Lorraine Carli, Peg Paul, and Dr. Lynn Solem.

Submitted with respect and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

CBS WCCO TV Interview

In 1995, the local Minneapolis/St. Paul CBS Affiliate – WCCO 4 News won a national award for the documentary they created about the helicopter crash I survived and my story. Fast forward to August 9, 2012…as I sat in the chair for an interview with Mike Binkley, with a microphone clipped to my sash and my crown in its case on the news desk next to me, I chatted with anchors Mike and Angela as we waited for the producer to count down from the commercial break to returning to live on-air.

The lights were bright and directed straight at the three chairs behind the news desk. An expansive space filled with cubical style desk arrangements and staff moving about were just feet away. It seemed as though there were computers and televisions in every direction. There was also a window directly behind our chairs where pedestrians on Nicollet Mall can view the broadcasts live from outside, making you feel a little like a fish in a fishbowl.

Just as the producer counted down on his fingers and pointed to us, the familiar voice of Don Shelby a long time media personality in the Twin Cities, came over the air questioning how anyone survived such a crash…with video of the wreckage moving across the screens all around me…it took me instantly back to the day. To the moments I recall so clearly, even after 18 years.

For the next few minutes, Mike asked me questions about the importance of attitude, my scars, and he opened the door for me to discuss the Phoenix Society for burn survivors and the Mrs. International title. The interview reached more people than I dreamed possible, as I was immediately contacted through emails, phone calls, and text messages from around Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Following the interview, as the link hit the internet, the messages started pouring in from around the world. Who knew an interview that lasted less than three minutes could have such an impact. Thank you to Denise O’Handley with WKPR Chicago for making the connection and thank you to WCCO Television for the opportunity!

If you missed it and would like to view the interview, here is the link: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/7596176-wcco-interview-mrs-international/

With love and respect,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

My Reign

Wearing a banner and a shiny tiara make people take notice. Little girls giggle, little boys smile, and even skeptical adults take a moment size you up. There is nothing more fun in those moments than to learn their names and pose for a picture to capture one life touching another!

If you consider the physical size and weight of the Mrs. International crown, which I would describe as large, heavy, and impressive, it could be argued that the responsibility of the title itself is in direct correlation. Therefore, it seems to me the goals and dreams for my reign this year should be ambitious, and reflective of the spirit of those who have worn the crown before me, as well as, the International Pageant Family.

Here are my goals and dreams for my reign as Mrs. International 2012:

1. To represent the International Pageant System and all that it stands for with an emphasis on the responsibility of truly touching lives around the world. Because I believe everything happens for a reason, it seems clear to me that the combination of current and former International Participants, connections through the Phoenix Society for burn survivors, and my personal relationships throughout the world with Harvard classmates create a network for which I feel compelled to utilize.

2.To promote my platform of Burn Awareness and Education, however, my focus can be as broad as sharing a message about overcoming adversity. More specifically, as a burn survivor myself, promoting the Phoenix Society and a message of “Dare to SOAR, your attitude in life almost always determines your altitude.”

3.To promote the Go Red for Women campaign on behalf of the American Heart Association, as I reach out to people both within and outside the United States. In my humble opinion, a message of thinking heart healthy should have no borders.

Whether it is a wave and a smile or a keynote address, I will do my best to leave a positive and lasting impression wherever I go. If you have read this blog, and our paths cross…please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me, as my father always told me to trust how people behave, not what they say…and it is my hope you will find my actions match my words.

After my Tiara Magazine interview with Madi Cole

With love,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Burn Awareness & Education with the Phoenix Society

The Phoenix was a mythical bird that lived 500 years and when it was consumed by flames, only to rise again from the ashes more beautiful than before. The scarlet and golden Phoenix bird is synonymous with rebirth or recovery and is often connected to healing and peace.

In 1963 a man named Alan Breslau was severely burned in a commercial airliner crash, and in 1977 he founded the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors with a vision of ensuring that every burn survivor, their loved ones, and caregivers have the necessary support on their road to recovery. Today the Phoenix Society is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is the largest organization of its kind with a core belief of offering support from someone who has truly “been there” and can provide the hope needed for recovery of mind, body and spirit.

As a burn survivor myself, I started volunteering at Regions Hospital Burn Center in St. Paul, MN just months after my release from the hospital in 1995. My first act of volunteering came quite unexpectedly…as I was cleared to return to work and on my way to the office, when I heard the breaking news that a 19 year old male was severely burning in an aviation accident and taken to Regions Hospital. I turned my vehicle around and drove straight to the hospital without any thought. It was as if my body took control. When I arrived, I found a distraught mother, father and twin sister in the waiting room.

The hours I spend talking to them about my own experience and the care I was given gave them hope. They were afraid and rightfully so, however, being able to see me stand before them, show them my scars, and my determination to move forward with my life bonded us forever.

The Phoenix Society later implemented the Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program in 2001, for which I was promptly trained. I was later asked to serve on the National Board of Trustees and today hold the position of Vice President of the Board. It has also been my privilege to promote the efforts of the Phoenix Society through speaking engagements with the World Burn Congress, American Burn Association and various Community Organizations both domestic and abroad.

Giving the keynote address at the World Burn Congress in Cincinnati, Ohio in September of 2011.

More than a million burns occur each year in the United States. Burns do not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time. Unfortunately, many burns are preventable and it is also a mission of the Phoenix Society to advocate for prevention whenever possible.

As I shared with the fabulous Mrs. International Pageant Class of 2012 and their loved ones, I sincerely hope anyone reading this blog who knows a burn victim or may find themselves suffering from a severe burn injury will not hesitate to reach out to the Phoenix Society www.phoenix-society.org or contact me directly mrsinternational2012@gmail.com.

With love and gratitude,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012