Angel is giving hope to younger patients at Shriners Children’s Boston after spending most of his life receiving treatment for burn injuries he sustained as a young child.
The 21-year-old kite surfer is proof that burn survivors can achieve their dreams and thrive outside hospital walls.
When he was just a year old, Angel was learning to walk when he was seriously burned on the right side of his body. At the time of the accident, his uncle was fixing some shoes. “He was using gasoline and he placed the container behind the refrigerator," said Angel. I got the container, poured it over myself and then walked by a candle that was lit.” His clothes were drenched in the gasoline, which produced flammable fumes. This caused his clothes to ignite from the candle, resulting in burns to his body, including his face.
Angel and his family came to Shriners Children’s Boston a few months after his initial injuries. His parents found the Shriners Children’s healthcare system through a hospital in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where they are from. “My mom and dad were really looking for more resources so I could have access to them,” said Angel. He remembers the strength his parents provided through his healing journey, and credits his family for helping him stay motivated. “They have reminded me I am a fighter and despite all my challenges, I am a positive person, I always have a smile,” he said. “My parents helped me realize I shouldn’t fear success.”
Receiving care at Shriners Children’s Boston has meant a great deal to Angel. Through his journey at the hospital, he has been able to heal and move forward. “I can use my right hand now, and before I couldn’t use that,” he said. “I have a right ear now and I can hear from it. So there’s so many things I’m able to do because I’ve been at Shriners Children’s Boston.”
So many memories stand out to Angel from his time at Shriners Children’s, including many firsts. “I remember the first time I went to the circus and the first time I went skating, they were both through Shriners Children’s.” In June 2024, Angel spent some time with Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who visited the hospital with the team’s coaching staff, and the pair snapped a selfie.
The caring staff at Shriners Children’s Boston is something Angel also holds close to his heart, especially a nurse named Pedro, who reminded Angel that he was always going to succeed. “Pedro was always helping me and motivating me. He always said with every treatment, everything will go well,” said Angel. Care manager Liza Gamelli, LICSW CCM, has worked with Angel and his family for 16 years, and remembers the joy and smiles he always brings to those around the hospital. “The staff at Shriners Children’s Boston has seen Angel grow into himself over the years and become more of an advocate for his own health,” said Liza. “As he has grown and matured over the years, he still has that same positive energy and delightful spirit that he brings with him to every visit.”
The staff at Shriners Children’s Boston has seen Angel grow into himself over the years and become more of an advocate for his own health.
In Angel’s free time he is an avid kite surfer, a sport he’s pursued for five years. He learned at a camp called Inspire DR, where young people learn English as well as various sports. Angel remembers being skeptical of kite surfing at first, but thanks to the help of a counselor at the camp, he decided to give it a try. “He told me there was nothing preventing me and there was no obstacle in my way to do kite surfing,” Angel said. “What I love the most is getting in the air and getting as high as I can. It’s like I can fly.” He also enjoys testing out different tricks to get off the board.
When Angel is not kite surfing, he loves spending time with his family, especially working with his father in his mechanic shop. Angel also enjoys walking on the beach because he “loves to explore places that make me feel one with nature.”
Angel hopes to inspire younger patients at Shriners Children’s Boston who are going through similar situations, to help them get through a challenging process. “You have fear and you have motivation. These are two very different things. But if you have dreams, you can achieve your dreams just in the same way I have been able to.” Angel wants to remind those walking a similar path to not give up even through difficult moments. “In the end you can find some peace and tranquility. Anything is possible.”
Liza added that Angel’s message is important to share with others, as it helps demonstrate the resiliency that so many Shriners Children’s Boston patients have. “Being a burn survivor can be a large part of who you are, but does not need to be the only thing that defines you,” she said.
Shriners Children’s Boston holds a special place in Angel’s heart. “I would call Shriners Children’s Boston a place you come in one way and come out a different way: totally renewed with a positive attitude, with a lot of motivation to really achieve the things you want.”
The kite surfer is inspiring others to overcome obstacles after he sustained serious burn injuries as a young child and was treated at Shriners Children's Boston.
Angel has found joy in kite surfing and it's one of his favorite activities.
Angel looks over his kite surfing equipment.
When kite surfing, Angel loves doing tricks and flying off the board.
Angel met Alex Cora (pictured with Angel), the manager of the Boston Red Sox, during a visit from the baseball team's coaching staff to Shriners Children's Boston.
Angel poses for a photo with his care team at Shriners Children's Boston.
Angel recovers from a surgery at Shriners Children's Boston.
Our patients and families are at the heart of everything we do at Shriners Children's. We invite you to share how the team at Shriners Children's has helped your child.
Through the generosity of donors like you, we've helped over one million children lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of their families' ability to pay.
