Burn Survivors of New England is committed to supporting, empowering, and building active and engaged lives of burn survivors and their families.
Our diverse and passionate team at Burn Survivors of New England (BSONE) comprises a wide spectrum of individuals dedicated to our mission. Within our ranks, you’ll find burn survivors, seasoned business professionals, compassionate medical experts, dedicated first responders, adept therapeutic recovery specialists, and esteemed university professors.
This unique blend of perspectives and expertise enables us to approach our work with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by burn survivors and their families. Together, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, driving positive change, and championing the well-being and empowerment of the burn survivor community in New England.
Station Nightclub Fire Survivor, Public Speaker, Author, and President of Burn Survivors of New England
Gina Russo is a burn survivor, advocate, and leader whose life’s work has been shaped by resilience and the power of community. As the President of Burn Survivors of New England, a public speaker, and the author of From The Ashes, Gina shares her journey of survival and hope, inspiring others while raising awareness about fire safety and burn recovery.
Born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, Gina’s life changed forever on February 20, 2003, when she survived the tragic Station Nightclub Fire that claimed 100 lives, including her fiancé, Fred Crisostomi. Gina sustained third- and fourth-degree burns over 40% of her body, underwent more than 60 surgeries, and spent 12 weeks in a medically induced coma.
Before Gina was even aware of her circumstances, Burn Survivors of New England was already there for her. Co-founder George Pessotti met with Gina’s family while she was in the coma, offering them hope and letting them know that she would have a supportive community waiting for her beyond the hospital walls. This connection became life-changing. Gina’s very first peer support visit came from a burn survivor within the Burn Survivors of New England community. That moment was pivotal in helping her find hope and strength for her recovery.
Motivated by the incredible support she received, Gina began her efforts to pay it forward by volunteering with burn foundations and serving as President of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation successfully acquired the site of the fire in 2012 and raised $2 million to create the Station Fire Memorial Park, which was officially opened in May 2017 to honor the 100 lives lost. Years later, Gina became a Phoenix SOAR-certified peer supporter, offering vital emotional support to burn survivors and their families, further deepening her commitment to helping others.
In May 2024, Gina proudly accepted the role of President of Burn Survivors of New England. This opportunity to lead the very organization that first gave her hope is deeply personal to her. Gina is passionate about carrying forward its mission to provide peer support, foster a resilient community, and inspire others to live full lives beyond their injuries. She believes her work honors those who helped her and pays tribute to the 100 angels who did not survive that night.
Gina’s life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. She often says, “Happiness is a choice,” and she lives by those words every day. Whether through her leadership roles, peer support, or public speaking, Gina inspires countless individuals to embrace life and honor the memory of those who have been lost. She is also the author of From The Ashes, a self-published memoir that sold 3,500 copies and opened doors for her to share her story nationwide as a public speaker. She educates audiences about fire safety, recovery, and resilience, using her platform to inspire others to overcome life’s challenges.
Now remarried, Gina lives in Cranston with her husband, Steve Sherman. Together, they have five children and nine grandchildren. Gina’s proudest achievements remain her two sons, Alex and Nicholas, who have grown into incredible men. She often says, “Life is worth living,” and believes that the best way to honor her family, friends, and the community who saved her is to give back every day.
