CHICAGO (March 27, 2025) –The American Burn Association (ABA), in collaboration with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Empathy Museum, is proud to announce the return of its interactive exhibit, A Mile in My Shoes: Compassion for Burn Survivors and Caregivers, at the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting.
The exhibit will officially open to event attendees on Tuesday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center, Ballroom Lobby, near the event registration. Through storytelling and empathy, it will offer a meaningful exploration of the burn care community.
A Mile in My Shoes offers attendees a powerful, hands-on experience, inviting them to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Housed in a space designed like a cross between a shoebox and a shoe store, the exhibit features a diverse collection of audio stories from burn survivors and caregivers, each paired with the storyteller’s shoes. These stories highlight not only the challenges of burn recovery but also the resilience and shared humanity that connects us all.
View last year’s video and listen to one burn survivor’s story to learn about the experiences and resilience of those impacted by burn injuries.
“This exhibit provides an opportunity to connect with the experiences of burn survivors deeply, reinforcing the importance of compassion and understanding in our shared mission to improve patient care,” said Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, ABA President.
“We often know just one chapter of a person’s story,” said Amy Acton, burn survivor and CEO of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. “Through these powerful narratives, we gain insight into the full journey. We hope these stories feed our attendee's souls as they continue caring for burn survivors and their families.”
Attendees can immerse themselves in the exhibit, choosing a pair of shoes, slipping them on, and listening to the voices of those who have lived the experience.
A Mile in My Shoes will be open only to all registered attendees throughout the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting, which will be held April 8–11, 2025, in Phoenix.
Editor’s Note
Media representatives are welcome to tour A Mile in My Shoes: Compassion for Burn Survivors and Caregivers on Tuesday, April 8, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center, Ballroom Lobby, near the event registration before the exhibit officially opens to event attendees. Interviews and photo opportunities will be available during this time, with opportunities to interview Acton, ABA leadership, and burn survivors. All media must RSVP to Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org for interview requests and additional information.
About the ABA Annual Meeting
The ABA Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 8–11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, is a premier educational event that brings together over 2,000 multidisciplinary burn care professionals to share knowledge, explore innovative technologies, and foster meaningful connections. Please visit the ABA Annual Meeting page for more information or to register as an attendee.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.
