In the late afternoon of July 10, 2001 I became the parent of a burn survivor. It is amazing how one split second can change the life of a loved one forever. My son Jason was (and still is) a Wild Land Firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He and 14 others were caught in a “burn over” in a fire that was named the “Thirty Mile Fire”. Four of his friends perished in that fire and he suffered burns over 35-40% part of his body. He spent 10 weeks at Harborview Medical Center, and it was there that he and his family learned of the Northwest Burn Foundation and their summer camp for young burn survivors. The following summer he became a counselor at Camp Eyabsut, and now is heavily involved in the camp in many varied ways.

In the Fall of 2006 I was invited to join the NWBF Board of Directors, and accepted the invitation. I had a very personal and working knowledge of what this Foundation and the summer camp had done and continued to do for my son. Working with Mark Bartman, Board President and Nancy Mendoza as the Executive Director  worked its magic, as if they were the siren song – I was hooked. In the Fall of 2007 I was asked to become the President of the Board and accepted that invitation. I can truly say that Mark took this Foundation and its Board to new heights during his five years as President.

We are extremely grateful for a dedicated Board, passionate volunteers, commendable staff and generous donors who work as a team to keep building the Northwest Burn Foundation. Along with preserving our roots in the volunteer fund raising community, we have set a course to seek new sources of funding and planned giving to support the valuable programs that we provide.

Camp Eyabsut continues to provide exceptional experience where children are challenged to grow. The smiles and hugs reflect what we are truly all about.

In November of 2007 we took advantage of having the World Burn Congress in own our Pacific Northwest.  Seven Board members and three Camp Counselors traveled via Amtrack to Vancouver, BC for three days of the best days of our lives.The event brings together survivors, healthcare professionals, firefighters and foundation members from all over the world to share ideas, review programs and network.

As we entered 2008 we were tasked with finding new Emergency Housing and partnered with Harborview Medical Center in moving into a new building not far from the hospital. All of this could not have been accomplished without the very capable oversight of our Executive Director, Nancy Mendoza.    

The overall experience that started on that day in July 2001 has changed many lives. I wish to thank my son Jason for surviving that experience and for providing me with the opportunity to serve a community that he has become a part of. 

Steve Emhoff

Northwest Burn Foundation President

Safety Tip:  Do not overload electrical outlets, 1 plug  per socket is the rule.