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"""Across a Bridge of Fire takes us into the most difficult circumstances and still finds a way forward, all the while questioning what it means to be human."" -Pamela Yates, Sundance Special Jury Prize-Winning Documentary Film Director and Human Rights Activist Across a Bridge of Fire is the stunning story of the author's catastrophic childhood injury, teenage restlessness, and ultimate journey to helping the refugees and displaced survivors of the Cambodian genocide in the wake of the Vietnam War. At the age of ten, Scott Allen suffered a life-changing burn that landed him in the hospital for months-and changed his life forever. His time spent among the critically injured nurtured within him a deep unease and well of compassion-that shook him from his suburban teenage home and landed him in the heart of the Cambodian refugee crisis of the early 1980s. His detailed and emotional recounting of the survival stories of the refugees, deep relationships formed with the residents of the camps, and his fellow relief workers would leave an indelible mark on his life and shape a life dedicated to service."

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9781963296266

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It was the psychological pain of facial burn scars that made a seemingly comfortable American life nearly unbearable. In escaping the comforts-and agony-of the life he knew, Dr. Allen describes how he stumbled upon what would ultimately become his mission: to do what he could to alleviate suffering. More than anything, this is a story of resilience. While Dr. Allen never succeeded at outrunning his pain, the way he learned to cope with it, and what he's done with his life since, is magnificent. Five stars! Gerri Shaftel Constant, Producer, 17-Time Emmy Award Winner, CBS News & Stations Los Angeles Scott Allen's Across a Bridge of Fire is a memoir that takes us into the most difficult circumstances and still finds a way forward all the while questioning what it means to be human. From childhood trauma survivor to compassionate professional, Dr. Allen searches for the purpose to contribute to positive change. Pamela Yates, Sundance Grand Jury Prize winning documentary film director and human rights activist. Scott was the youngest caseworker I hired during my 16-year tenure with the Joint Voluntary Agency team attached to the Refugee Section of the US Embassy. He would subsequently prove to be among the very best. His tale of pursuing life's purpose among refugees both in Thailand and the US is nothing less than a gift to dreamers of all ages. Dennis Grace, former Director of the Joint Voluntary Agency in Thailand, and Special Assistant to the President in the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush. Dr. Scott A Allen has written a true masterpiece, describing the challenges and adventures of his youth that were formative, and led to him being a true leader, advocate, and successful champion for the least fortunate among us. His journey spans an idyllic childhood to surviving as a patient in a terrifying pediatric burn unit to working in a border refugee camp and documenting the horrors of the killing Fields from those who survived it, to the heights of academia and international human rights advocacy. Jody Rich, MD, Professor of Medicine, founder of the Center for Health and Justice Transformation, Brown University. Scott Allen has dedicated his life to offering not only compassionate, expert medical care to some of the most vulnerable and shunned people in society-the disabled, prisoners, and immigrants-but also his voice as an advocate and truth-teller. Through Allen's moving and vivid excavation of how a horrific early tragedy set him on a path of service and incredible adventure, we understand how his mind, heart and life were inevitably forged to do such good for so many, choosing moral courage and compassion at every turn. Dana Gold, Senior Counsel, Government Accountability Project Brilliant and courageous. Scott Allen digs into his own soul, confronts his own pain and finds the resources to needed to help others who are struggling. A needed look into a very difficult piece of history - the Cambodian refugees in Thailand, one of the more distal impacts of our war in Vietnam - and finds dignity in the work of international aid, however fraught An important reflection in a time of too many wars and far too many refugees. When the work of each person matters, in the face of our collective failure to prevent these endless wars from occurring. Michael Fine, MD, Community organizer and author of Abundance

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