When she was 16 months old, Bethany was learning how to walk when she touched the glass of a gas fireplace. “It happened so quickly, and it was all a blur,” Jennifer said. “Bethany stayed on the inpatient unit at Shriners Children’s Boston for a few days. Then we made trips from our home in New Hampshire to Boston for dressing changes seven days a week.”
Bethany’s family was referred to Shriners Children’s Boston by their local emergency department. The Shriners fraternal organization isn’t new to Jennifer. Her great-uncle and grandfather were Shriners, and her father was also a Mason. “From my experience with Shriners and the Masons as a child, I knew Shriners had wonderful burn centers, and their care would be amazing,” said Jennifer.
Jennifer remembers the comfort she received upon arriving at Shriners Children’s. Feeling exhausted and scared after Bethany's burn injuries, the staff at the hospital provided support. Liza Gamelli, LICSW, CCM, a clinical social worker and care manager at Shriners Children's, has worked with Bethany’s family through her treatment. “Liza walked me through the whole process and was there to answer all my questions,” Jennifer said. “Even all these years later, she is still there.”
The child life team also played an important role in Bethany’s journey, finding toys she could play with. “Being a toddler who couldn’t use her hands because of the burn injury, play was so important,” Jennifer said. “The child life team still found ways to help her play.” She also recalls how special the nurses and medical staff were, caring for Bethany as they changed her dressings and comforting her when she cried.
Jeanne MacDonald, RN, worked with Bethany once her care transitioned to the outpatient clinic. Jeanne explained that part of her job is to be an active listener who shows empathy to her patients. “I believe you have to connect with your patients and alleviate their concerns or fears,” said Jeanne. “Our patients and families are comforted by having a healthcare provider who has known them for years.”
Once their initial care ends, Shriners Children’s Boston patients have regular follow-up visits to evaluate their reconstructive surgery needs. “As patients grow and scars do not, the doctors, physical therapists and the patient’s family will meet to decide what surgical treatments are needed,” Jeanne said.
The staff have become like family to us. Even when we come just once a year, they remember Bethany and genuinely want to know how she is doing.
Now 15, Bethany and her family still feel supported all these years later when visiting Shriners Children’s Boston. “The staff have become like family to us. Even when we come just once a year, they remember Bethany and genuinely want to know how she is doing.”
Jennifer shared one special memory that has stayed with her and her family. When Bethany was still an inpatient, her brother, Zach, had a birthday. “I was way too overwhelmed to plan anything, so a friend picked up a cake for me. I had gone home to rest for the night, and went back in the morning, on the day of his birthday,” Jennifer said. She asked one of the child life specialists if there was somewhere they could cut the cake for Zach. “She said, ‘hold on,’ and invited our older daughter Natalie to come with her down the hall. She returned and told the rest of us to follow her to the playroom where they had a stack of presents wrapped for our son, decorations and even had a few nurses sing to him. I couldn't believe it; we were so overjoyed and grateful.”
Following Bethany’s injuries, Jennifer hopes to help educate families who may not know about the dangers surrounding natural gas fireplaces. “I knew gas fireplaces were very hot, but after doing research, I was shocked to learn how much hotter they were than I realized,” she said. “The glass even remains hot long after they are turned off.” She went on to explain that her family’s house was a newer home, and the builder had chosen not to put a protective screen on the fireplace. “If you have small children or pets, get a fireplace screen. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix.”
Jennifer also advises families to give themselves grace. “The guilt is real, so give yourself time to heal as a parent,” she said. “Everyone told me it wasn't my fault, but I had to come to that point on my own, and it took some counseling and time.”
Bethany is now a sophomore in high school. She is an active teenager who has participated in aerial dance for several years. She is taking tap dance lessons and recently started ice skating. “Bethany also works at a store where she loves interacting with customers and making them smile,” said Jennifer. Later this year, Bethany will reach a big milestone when she starts driving. She is also taking flying lessons and hopes to become a pilot someday.
Bethany with her favorite stuffed animal, a toy cow.
Bethany wears protective gloves on her hands following the burn injuries she sustained.
Bethany holds her doll with her bandaged hand.
Bethany models for the camera as a small child.
Bethany participates in an aerial dance.
