Meet Erika— Camps and Recreation Manager at Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

Meet Erika, the Camps and Recreation Manager at the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF). Each year, AFW partners with AARBF to fly burn survivors to specialized camps, a place where they can thrive in a recreational setting with their peers.   As part of the burn survivor community herself, Erika has been attending Champ Camp since the young age of five. Now, she uses that experience, and her compassion, to support other youngsters and families. Erika’s dedication and collaboration with Angel Flight West provides vital support to the burn survivor community, making these transformative experiences accessible to all. 

1.Could you tell us about your current occupation? How long have you been working in this position? Why did you become interested in your field?   

In November 2023, I assumed the role of Camps and Recreation Manager for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF). As the Camps and Recreation Manager, I work closely with our lead volunteers to successfully organize the eight different recreational events we hold year-round. 

I first became involved with AARBF as a burn survivor benefiting from its services 26 years ago when I attended Champ Camp at the age of five. Since then, I have continued to be part of Champ Camp and other day events organized by AARBF.     I transitioned to Counselor in Training (CIT) in 2011 and became a counselor in 2015. From 2018 to 2021, I held a couple different staff roles within the organization, all with the goal of continuing to support the burn survivor community that I have grown up with and love. In 2023, I returned as a counselor, reaffirming how much I missed and love being a Champ Camp counselor. 

My interest in my field stems from my personal experience as a part of the burn survivor community, particularly through my involvement with Champ Camp. I have always desired to help in any way I could. When the opportunity for the Camps and Recreation Manager role came up, I knew it would be extremely hard to leave the opportunity to be a counselor in a cabin again. Nonetheless, I felt honored and excited to be a part of the program staff that moves camp along.   

2.How did you hear about Angel Flight West? When did you start helping requesting flights with AFW?     

I first heard about Angel Flight West when I was a camper in 2006. When my family moved to Arizona when I was 12, I thought I wouldn't be able to attend Champ Camp anymore. However, Angel Flight West made it possible for me to stay connected to my camp family.     In 2018, when I was on staff, I was able to support and help with a few flight requests. Now, in 2024, as I take on the main Camps and Recreation Manager role, I am fully engaged in working with the Angel Flight West coordination team to request flights for our survivors to attend the different camps we host. 

3.How have your experiences requesting flights from AFW been? Without naming patients (if applicable), have there been any particularly impactful experiences that you have had that you would like to share?    

I'm incredibly grateful for the Angel Flight West coordination team and the volunteer pilots. They have made my experience truly amazing. I've heard nothing but great things about the longstanding partnership between AARBF and AFW.     Over the past few months and events, I've observed that the pilots always prioritize the safety of our campers above all else, and that's all we can ever ask for. We just finished Champ Camp, and AFW pilots have consistently been more than willing to help accommodate our campers, especially those who require special assistance. Every camper arrives with a huge smile on their face and has continuously shared how fun and exciting this experience has been for them.    Without the volunteer pilots and the AFW coordination team, many of our burn survivors wouldn't be able to attend multiple events throughout the year, nor would they have the opportunity to connect with their friends more often. 

4.What would you want other healthcare workers or nonprofit partners to know about AFW?   

AFW is an amazing nonprofit that enables transportation to and from important destinations. In our case, camps and recreational activities are crucial in the recovery process for our burn survivors. Thanks to the incredible partnership we have with AFW and their team, we have been able to expand our services and provide support to more survivors. Their top priority is safety and care, which greatly eases our minds and those of our parents and caregivers.     We cannot thank Angel Flight West and their entire team enough, thank you for all that you do and are! 

Want to learn more about requesting flights? Please visit our website or call us at (310) 390-2958. You can also email our team at info@angelflightwest.org.