After surviving a vehicle fire, Rainbow Brockenborough has turned her scars into advocacy for other burn victims.
Brockenborough, a CCHCS Regional Healthcare Executive, was vacationing in the desert when a family outing went from exhilarating to tragic.
While on an ATV ride with her family, she heard a popping noise and assumed it was a tire. In a matter of seconds, flames engulfed her seat.
Concerned about her family’s safety, she pleaded with them to get out of the ATV while she fought to unbuckle herself.
Having sustained severe burns, she was then airlifted to a university burn unit, where she spent months in recovery.
After returning home, Brockenborough faced physical and emotional challenges of recovery head-on.
Her daughter stepped into the role of nurse, helping Rainbow’s recovery also became a journey for her family and friends.
Her journey back to health became a testament to her courage, strength, and determination.
Rainbow Brockenborough: From burn victim to advocate
Her harrowing experience ignited a newfound passion: giving back to the community she is now part of.
Brockenborough now volunteers with the Firefighters Burn Institute’s Little Heroes Family Burn Camp, a recovery program for young burn survivors, aged 1-6, and their families. The program helps families navigate the physical and emotional challenges associated with burn recovery.
As a volunteer for the program, Rainbow supervises babies of siblings that are burn survivors and shares her story with survivors and their families. Her message to families and survivors is clear: scars can tell a story of resilience and hope.
Strength in community
Brockenborough credits her family and colleagues for her successful recovery, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Grateful for the community for rallying around her, she is now committed to inspiring others to step up and support causes that make a difference.
Her journey is a reminder of the impact of resilience and strength, challenging others to turn tragedies into triumphs.
Firefighters Burn Institute at a glance
Since 1973, the Firefighters Burn Institute has been dedicated to serving the burn community through treatment, recovery, and prevention since 1973.
Story submitted by Lt. Vanessa Melendez, Camp Commander, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp
>> Learn more about the organization on their website.
See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Recent CDCR Weekender stories
CMC custody staff find balance on a surfboard
Custody staff from California Men’s Colony (CMC) at San Luis Obispo recently attended an adaptive surf therapy clinic. The April…
CIW staff volunteers for special‑needs prom
Staff volunteers from California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona helped make a local special-needs prom an unforgettable night. Held…
Off‑duty lieutenant saves man who collapsed at gym
While off-duty and working out at a gym, Richlin Chan, a lieutenant from California State Prison-Sacramento, saw a man collapse…
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…
Calipatria observes Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Staff and community partners gathered at Calipatria State Prison for a solemn National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony. The April…
SQRC Torch Run Kick Off supports Special Olympics
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) got the department started in style for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run with a…