NJW Supports Burn Center

The Newtown Junior Women have announced they will support The Andrew Panettieri Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital as their state project for 2000-2002. Every two years, the Connecticut Junior Women (CJW) select a state project that is supported by all of the Junior Women in Connecticut through fundraising and volunteerism. CJW hopes to raise $84,000 for the purchase of specialty beds, reclining chairs, and other needed items for the Burn Center.

The Burn Center is the only one in Connecticut. Most emergency rooms can offer only minimal care to a burn victim. Patients are stabilized and transported, usually by helicopter, to the Burn Center as quickly as possible. The Burn Center will treat between 150 and 200 individuals every year. Of those patients, 40 percent are classified as major burn victims, and 60 percent of the patients are children. Any of us may receive a burn or two in a year from the sun, splattered grease, or a cigarette. Severe burns are much more devastating. Whether cased by a kitchen fire, home workshop explosion, smoldering cigarette, auto accident, lightning, electrical shock, or chemical reaction, the severe burn can kill.

The Connecticut Junior Women (CJW) is a statewide organization of over 70 clubs with membership of more than 2,000 women and young women. They are a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-political club formed for the promotion of civic involvement through volunteer service in cultural, educational, and social areas. Anyone interested in helping with this state project or in joining the Newtown Junior Women’s Club can contact Ivette Gerics at 426-3589.