'Limits Do Not Exist' for Patients at Shriners Children’s Boston

Josue is thriving outside Shriners Children’s Boston as he shares a positive message of hope and healing for burn survivors.

“Limits do not exist. I am working at the same time as I am going to university. I am four classes away from graduating. Burns do not prevent us from fulfilling our dreams.”

In November 2002, Josue sustained burn injuries when his house in Honduras caught fire because of an electrical short circuit. “I was still sleeping. My mother was on the ground floor of the house. When she realized I was on fire, she ran to get me out, and a neighbor helped.” Josue sustained third-degree burns over 75% of his body and lost his right hand. “I was in a coma for almost two weeks, and I remained in the hospital for six months following my initial injuries,” he recalled. Josue’s care was transferred to Shriners Children’s Boston in 2010 when he was 13 years old. His family was assisted by the Ruth Paz Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Honduras devoted to connecting children with quality medical services.

Josue received a wide range of treatment while at Shriners Children’s Boston, including laser surgery, physical therapy and tissue expansion. This process involves placing an implant, or expander, underneath the skin to help a patient's body “grow” extra skin by stretching it over time. A surgeon can then use the stretched skin to replace or repair areas that have been injured, burned or scarred. Josue recalled the care at Shriners Children’s Boston with appreciation, saying, “My experience was the best. I always felt comfortable and received excellent treatment. Each person on my care team made me feel at home.”

Josue, who is now 27, praised the staff’s commitment to their patients. “I admire the dedication of my social workers and each of the doctors I met during my time at Shriners Children’s Boston,” he explained. Josue also spoke highly of the translation services made available to him. “The hospital interpreters are essential, and thanks to them, native Spanish speakers like me have a voice to say what we feel and can understand instructions.”

Miriam Kearns has been working as a medical interpreter at Shriners Children’s Boston for 18 years, and was an integral member of Josue’s care team. “Since many of our patients need to return often for reconstructive surgeries, it is so special seeing them grow and getting to know them,” Miriam said. She has fond memories of working with Josue during his time at Shriners Children’s Boston. “Josue was a nice, respectful, kind young man, and was always helpful with orienting new patients,” she remembered. “I used to tease him that his English was getting so good that soon he wouldn’t be needing me!”

During Josue’s time in Boston, he enjoyed many opportunities not available to him in his home country. One of his favorite memories was a cooking class with Team Brave, where he and other burn survivors learned how to make pasta. Team Brave is a partnership with the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation where patients, firefighters and hospital staff participate in activities such as bowling, painting and cooking. These special outings help build friendships, strength and self-confidence outside the walls of Shriners Children’s Boston.

Josue also participated in Christmas in July, a collaboration between the hospital’s child life team and the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation. The annual event features the arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves on a Boston Fire Department ladder truck. Josue remembered how the day “allowed me to get out of my routine.” By recognizing birthdays and other special occasions, the child life team at Shriners Children’s Boston helps patients stay connected to childhood traditions and build positive memories while away from home. “Promoting age and culturally-appropriate interactions within the hospital is a way to normalize patient and family experiences,” said Jackie Cola, MS, CCLS, a member of the child life team. “Celebrating special events like treatment milestones and holidays also encourages normal routine and development for children.”

In 2018, Josue graduated from Shriners Children’s Boston. He is reflective of his time at the hospital and those he interacted with along the way. “I met wonderful people, both hospital staff and patients. Living with many cultures, and learning a little about them, was great,” said Josue.

Josue is a hard worker who is currently attending college while holding various jobs. “I work in agriculture. Producing food in the field is one of the things I enjoy the most,” he explained. “I’m also working in construction while I finish my university degree. When I graduate, I will be an industrial engineer.” When Josue is not working or attending classes, he likes to spend time with his family and is “very passionate about cars.”

Josue also wants to leave families with a special message about the care their children are receiving at Shriners Children’s Boston. “I want to tell patients and their family members they are getting medical treatment from the best hospital in the world. Everything will be fine, and they should always be positive.”