More than one million children, teachers, and adults experience the wonders of science each year through the incredible exhibits offered by the Pacific Science Center. The Foundation's belief is that the cause of this disease will be uncovered by scientific research. It exists to support efforts by the scientific community to develop better methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. This project explores the use of virtual reality in controlling burn pain during wound care, and for distracting and motivating burn patients during physical therapy.
Severe burns are excruciatingly painful during wound care, even with traditional morphine doses.
Pain requires conscious attention and is exacerbated by anxiety. Pilot burn patients from a collaborative project with the NIH-funded pain research team at Harborview Burn Center showed dramatic reductions in pain and anxiety when immersed in Virtual Reality. In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.