Shriners Children’s Boston Becomes Second Family to Leufry

Leufry, a former patient at Shriners Children’s Boston, gets emotional as he recalls his years-long treatment journey at the hospital.

“I am so grateful for everything; the support, love, care and understanding.” Leufry became a Shriners Children’s Boston patient when he was 6. The now 21-year-old said the hospital staff members have become his second family.

While in his home country of the Dominican Republic, Leufry sustained burns over 30% of his body after a live wire fell on him when he stepped onto his balcony. Leufry’s grandmother found him unconscious. He was rushed to a children’s hospital in Santo Domingo, where he spent several months undergoing multiple procedures. He was seen by the Shriners Children’s Boston outreach team at a clinic in the Dominican Republic and then began traveling to Boston for ongoing care. “With God, along with the help of my mother and my doctors at Shriners Children’s Boston, my health started getting better little by little,” Leufry said. “I felt very happy at Shriners Children’s Boston with the wonderful treatment and loving care the staff gave me.”

Leufry’s care team included plastic surgeon Matthias Donelan M.D., who spent over 40 years on the surgical staff before recently retiring.

Dr. Donelan has described the future of burn care as less surgery and more laser treatment. He has used laser therapy to help Leufry gain more mobility in his arm and neck. “These advances are helping keep children out of the operating room and ultimately contributing to better outcomes and a better long-term quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Donelan.

For Leufry, this meant fewer surgeries, improved mobility and a better appearance of his burn scars. Leufry can do what he loves thanks to the life-changing care he received at Shriners Children’s Boston. 

Leufry also has fond memories of his time with the Shriners Children’s Boston physical therapy team, which helped him get to where he is today. “I can move my body 100% because of them.” He is an athlete and can now participate in his favorite sports and activities. “I couldn’t use my hand as a child and I wanted to play baseball. After some time at Shriners Children’s Boston, I could play baseball. I am also able to play basketball and that is something I do daily,” said Leufry. “I can do exercises like jumping jacks and stretching out my arms – all things I couldn’t do in the past.”

Nurse care manager Sandra Barrett, BSN, RN, CCM, who helped coordinate Leufry’s care, was also an important member of Leufry’s medical team. “Sandy has always been so good to me,” said Leufry. “Sandy always treats me so well every time I see her. Whenever I’m coming or going from the hospital, Sandy always hugs me, and that means a lot to me.” Leufry said the experience at Shriners Children’s has helped him grow emotionally and physically.

Leufry also formed a special bond with medical photographer Susan Brogna. “Susie always gave me a lot of emotional support when she took my pictures,” said Leufry. Susan helps document the treatment journeys of pediatric patients at the hospital through photography. “At first, when she took my picture, I wouldn’t smile. Through Susie’s charisma, she would get me to smile and make me feel good.”

Leufry sheds tears of joy as he recalls how much he loved seeing the staff at Shriners Children’s Boston during his visits. Another favorite was Miriam Kearns, a medical interpreter at Shriners Children’s Boston. She helped Leufry navigate his medical appointments by providing translation services. “These are good people. I value all of the staff’s personalities at Shriners Children’s Boston. I feel so grateful and full of love,” said Leufry.

One piece of advice Leufry wants to share with younger patients is to have hope and to think positively. “For those who have had accidents happen to them, do not let it get in the way and continue going forward,” he said. “The most beautiful thing is life and to continue living.”

This fall, Leufry graduated from care at Shriners Children’s Boston and rang the bell to celebrate his journey. It was an emotional ceremony, filled with tears of joy as Leufry gave a speech to his care team, thanking them for all they had done through the years. He said, “It is sad to graduate, but that sadness is filled with love. With all the love I have received, I’m going to take it with me. I’m really going to miss Shriners Children’s Boston.”