A volleyball tournament in Rockford has been more than just a game between two teams, as it has stood as an event or an extra effort in helping the young burn survivors to heal and further take steps into life. The fundraiser volleyball game brought together several athletes, families, and supporters from different regions to raise money for the burn survivors.
[REPORT] The Volleyball Fundraiser
Organized in partnership with Camp I Am Me by Through the Flames, a nonprofit organization founded by a burn survivor, Stacy Moore, the organization has been hosting several summer camps in different regions, especially for young burn survivors.
With the motive to raise money and awareness for the emotional and physical recovery of burn survivors in Rockford, the event features collaboration among young and energetic local athletes, along with their families and supporters.
Being a burn survivor herself, Moore believes that this type of fundraiser camp would definitely contribute to bringing all the burn survivors together for a weeklong summer camp, providing an environment that is safe and comfortable for them.
Further talking about her experience in the past, Moore said, “I am also a burn survivor. I was burned in a campfire when I was six years old,” said Moore.
“I was sitting too close to the fire. My uncle poured gasoline on it, and it exploded, and I got caught on fire.”
Similarly, the Instagram handle of the Rockford Buzz on June 27, 2025, posted the key details of the events, highlighting the sand volleyball tournament. The picture had the details of the event, where the tournament will be taking place on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, at the Park Lanes Bowl.
They captioned the post, writing, “🏐 Camp I Am Me Volleyball Tournament
📍 Park Lanes Bowling Center | 5318 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL 61111
Support young burn survivors while cheering on local teams in this fun, charity-focused tournament.”
Burn survivor Stacy Moore and her nonprofit Through the Flames partnered with Camp I Am Me to raise money for burn survivors and provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere for them to enjoy themselves and … https://t.co/BRkrS9lq18
— Eyewitness News WTVO/WQRF (@MyStateline) June 29, 2025
[UPDATE] Impact on Burn Survivors
As per the organizer, Through the Flames, the tournament features a bunch of local teams competing on the sand courts in Rockford as a part of an initiative to support Camp I Am Me.
The tournament will also serve as a platform for children and young teens to engage in a free and week-long camp for easy and comfortable recovery from burn injuries. These types of camps have been serving as a lifelong experience for the burn survivors who often feel embarrassed about approaching the real world.
As per Heidi Pena, who has been working as a nurse practitioner with the organization, “The survivors come to camp with long shorts and long pants on. And within 30 minutes… they’re in t-shirts and having fun. So, it’s a place for them just to enjoy the week, be themselves, and not have to worry about anybody.”
Furthermore, the tournaments will majorly help to raise the funds that are needed for the treatment of burn survivors, especially for those who are not capable of treating their injuries.
Jyoti Sharma’s Take
As a volleyball enthusiast, I am very proud to see such a volleyball tournament being organized in Rockford, where young burn survivors get the chance to meet each other and share their experiences.
These types of events will certainly be helpful for the victims since they often feel embarrassed going out and getting along with other people.
Similarly, the funds raised from the tournament will be the key entity since they can be further used in the treatment of burn survivors. I hope such events will be organized in the coming days as well and it gains enough recognition from people worldwide.
