On Aug. 18 at Cat’s Cradle, our family hosted “Healin’ With A Feelin: A Night Of Burnin’ Love,†a benefit for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals. In its second year, the event was our way of showing our deep appreciation to the center for Kim’s treatment there after his injuries in a 2010 house fire, and a way of helping other survivors of similar injuries. This joyful event was supported by hundreds of people who attended, by area residents and businesses who donated nearly 90 silent-auction items, by Frank Heath and the Cradle staff, by 25 musicians in four bands and by many event volunteers. We raised nearly $10,000, which will be added to the established Anderson Family Fund at the burn center. The fund has already purchased and distributed sun-protective garments, sunscreen, scar-care lotion and similar aftercare supplies to burn survivors.
Dr. Bruce Cairns, a Chapel Hill High School classmate of Frank Heath’s and the director of the burn center, was joined onstage by 9-year-old Taylor C., herself an 8-year burn survivor, as he told those in attendance about the innovative and dedicated work of the center, which celebrated its 31st anniversary this year and is the largest such facility between Baltimore and Miami. Accredited for treating both children and adults, the center’s programs have a regional, national and international impact.
Throughout Kim’s hospital stay we were never treated with anything less than complete respect, honesty and expert care. We are forever grateful to the Jaycee Burn Center and to the many friends and supporters of our efforts to help other survivors.
It has been another goal of our event to help keep our community aware of the tremendous world-class resource we are fortunate enough to have within life-saving minutes of our homes and businesses. We are grateful to The Carrboro Citizen for the coverage provided for this fundraiser, both last year and this, helping us to continue to focus this community awareness.
Stephanie and Kim Anderson
Chapel Hill