Back to School-Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa at her Mom and Dad's Wedding, September 2008

Going back to school after a burn injury can be scary. Alyssa Mercado a 6 year old child burn survivor experienced the fear first hand. According to Alyssa’s mother, Fermina Mercado, when Alyssa returned to school the children in Alyssa’s class were not very nice to her. They stared, asked impolite questions, and others did not want to play with Alyssa during recess.

Alyssa was connected to AARBF through Shriner’s Hospital and hoped for some kind of relief when she returned to school in September 08. AARBF went to Richard Riordan Elementary to complete a Back to School presentation with Alyssa’s class.

After the presentation Alyssa’s entire school experience changed. Fermina Mercado, Alyssa’s mother stated “Alyssa is very happy to go to school each morning, and wakes up extra early and excited.” Fermina further explained that the positive attitude comes from the new friends that Alyssa is making at school; thanks to the Back to School presentation, put on by the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and the good new is that “the Back to School presentation works, because it helped Alyssa want to be at school. She is very happy,” says her mother.

The Back to School presentation helps burn survivors re-enter the classroom environment. The presentation can take place after a long absence due to a burn injury or burn surgery, or simply at the beginning of every school year to ensure an environment of acceptance for the burn survivor from school-peers.

The Back to School presentation educates children in the K-12 school grades. It teaches them about the burn survivor’s accident and the physical and emotional ramifications because of it. The presentation also touches on burn prevention, like how to create Exit Drills in the Home in case of a fire and when to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” This presentation is catered to the needs of the school based on grade, age, size of the group (classroom, or assembly presentation), and time limits.
You can call your regional office of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation to schedule a Back to School presentation. The numbers are:
• Southern CA; 1800-255-BURN
• Central CA; 1888-492-BURN
• Northern CA 1800-755-BURN