In honor of National Volunteer Week, we're joined by Jeanette Johnson - burn survivor, Phoenix Society volunteer, and a voice of hope and healing. 🤝 In this heartfelt episode, Jeanette shares her journey of recovery over the past five years and how finding connection through Phoenix Society's Virtual Support Group changed everything.

She opens up about the friendships she's formed, including with our co-host Ambe and the community that has grown from a virtual space into a true support system. ✨ Jeanette also shares her experience as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, including her very first in-person visit just last week.

We dive into what it means to build community in a virtual world, the importance of getting connected early in recovery, and how volunteers like Jeanette are making a lasting impact. A heartfelt thank you to Jeanette for giving back as a volunteer - your compassion, time, and support are helping others feel seen, heard, and never alone on their healing journeys! 💛

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Jeanette Johnson's journey as a burn survivor and her dedication to peer support have made her an integral part of the Phoenix Society community. Jeanette's story began on June 6, 2020, when she was burned in a smoldering firepit while on vacation in Oklahoma during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience in the Burn ICU during such an isolating time helped her realize the value of peer support—such as a smile, a listening ear, or a shared story.

Motivated by her healing journey, Jeanette has been an active member of Phoenix Society's Virtual Support Group for over four years. This community became a lifeline for her, offering not only support but also lifelong friendships. Over time, she has expanded her involvement, becoming a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, a CLIMB instructor, an advocate and speaker for mental health, and a support group leader. She strives to help others know they can rise and thrive after a burn injury.

• Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar
• Request a peer support visit: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/peer-support-request
• Learn more about the CLIMB study: https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/climb
• Sign up to participate in CLIMB: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=W3LKWEAPNTPAM7RW
• Sign up for Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group
• Join Phoenix Society’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phoenixsocietypeersupport
• Explore our Burn Community Calendar: https://www.phoenix-society.org/community-calendar
• Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC): https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary
• Learn more about the Florida bill and AFCI requirements by emailing natasha@phoenix-society.org.

Today’s podcast is powered by the Pritzker Hageman Law Firm! The Pritzker Hageman burn injury legal team helps burn survivors and their loved ones pursue compensation and justice throughout the United States. Learn more at: LegalJourney.guide.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.