Rachel and Irelyn: Finding Hope and Healing After a Fire
On June 28, 2022, a quiet day at home turned into a life-altering event for Rachel and Irelyn.
The two sisters had gone up to their loft to paint when they smelled smoke, which they later learned was from an electrical fire. Moments later, they found themselves trapped by flames.
Their older siblings acted quickly, running to their aid with a garden hose. The girls, already injured, managed to escape down a metal ladder.
Rachel and Irelyn's parents, Deanna and Jason, were away when they received the shocking call from their oldest daughter about the fire. Soon after, the ambulance driver called Deanna to inform her that Irelyn would need to be airlifted to a hospital.
Within hours of arriving at UC Davis Medical Center, Rachel and Irelyn were referred to Shriners Children’s Northern California, a place their parents had visited years earlier for their son’s stomach issues, but hadn’t realized also specialized in burn care.
Exceptional Care and Empowerment
The Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute is widely recognized as one of the leading pediatric burn research and treatment centers in the United States. The institute provides all aspects of burn care – from initial management, critical care and wound coverage – to rehabilitation, inpatient care and reconstruction. Shriners Children’s Northern California has the largest pediatric burn treatment center west of the Mississippi, and many hospitals and healthcare systems refer their most complex and complicated patients because of the training and expertise the burn doctors have to treat the most complicated and life-threatening burn injuries.
Rachel was burned on 39% of her body: Her legs, arms, back and a part of her face were affected. Irelyn suffered burns on 49% of her body: her arms, legs, back, chest and hands. Both girls required skin graft surgery. A skin graft is the removal and placement of a patient’s healthy, unburned skin onto the area of the burn, which helps it heal.
The staff at the Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute didn’t just care for the girls – they empowered their entire family.
Rachel remembered the nurses as a constant source of encouragement. “They hung out with me and played games,” she said.
Irelyn recalled a particularly touching moment when she missed her mom one night. “A nurse stayed with me and watched a movie. It meant so much.”
From the moment Irelyn regained the use of her hands, she turned to art as a form of therapy. When it came time to leave Shriners Children’s, it took two carts to carry all her artwork home.
The care extended beyond the medical. Jason and Deanna praised the girls’ care team for checking in on their well-being and understanding the family’s struggles after losing everything in the fire.
“The nurses even made sure we were taking care of ourselves and balancing time with our other kids,” Jason said.
Everyone was so welcoming – even the janitors and security. It became a home for us during the three months we were there.
Thriving After Tragedy
Thanks to the care they received, Rachel and Irelyn now have no restrictions.
“The occupational therapy and physical therapy teams went above and beyond,” Deanna said. “Some days the girls didn’t want to do therapy, but the staff could read their moods and adapt.”
One fond memory involved the nurses giving Irelyn a water gun once the girls were able to walk again.
“She made sure she got all the nurses wet,” Jason said.
For Deanna and Jason, the care their daughters received at Shriners Children’s was life-changing. “The most important thing in our lives is our kids, and they made sure we got them back,” Jason said.
A Message to Donors and Families
To those considering supporting Shriners Children’s, the family emphasizes the impact of every contribution.
“It doesn’t go to waste. Every cent helps kids heal through their trauma,” Deanna said. “It’s not just the bandages – it’s the resources and support for families. Without Shriners Children’s, we don’t know what we would have done.”
To other families facing similar challenges, Deanna and Dave offered advice. “Put your trust in the staff. Be ready to be taken care of.”
Today, Rachel, 16, is a sophomore, and Irelyn, 15, is a freshman. Both are thriving.
“Both girls want to go into nursing,” said Deanna.
Their story is a testament to the extraordinary care and compassion found at Shriners Children’s Northern California.
