Burn Survivors J. R. Martinez and Mrs. International Support Phoenix Society's World Burn Conference

Sept. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Milwaukee, Wis. – Actor and former U. S. Army soldier, J. R. Martinez, joined fellow Phoenix Society Board Member and burn survivor, Mrs. International 2012, Sarah Bazey, at the 24th Annual World Burn Congress that brings together more than 800 burn survivors, their families and care givers, and burn care professionals and firefighters to increase knowledge of burn recovery.  During the event held Sept. 12- 15 at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Martinez was awarded the first ever Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Advocacy Award and Bazey spoke to attendees about her personal story and recent accomplishment of becoming Mrs. International.  
Martinez is best known for his role as Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children and as the winner of Season 13 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.  In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to over 40 percent of his body while serving as a United States infantryman in Iraq.  Following his recovery, he has traveled around the country speaking about his experiences to other burn survivors and their families and care givers.  
Sarah Bazey is an accomplished business professional, as the owner and president of Minneapolis-based Simplex Construction Supplies, Inc.  In 1994, Bazey chartered a helicopter to survey a concrete paving project for which her company supplied materials and the flight ended in a horrific crash that left her with third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body.  Today, Bazey proudly serves as Vice President of the National Board of Directors for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors through which she helps empower other burn survivors through support programs, education and advocacy.
For more information about the Phoenix Society and its programs for burn survivors, visit www.phoenix-society.org.