Shriners Children’s Northern California Helps Fatima Recover After Scald Burns

Fatima’s parents never expected to spend Christmas in an emergency room, or at the most advanced pediatric burn care facility on the West Coast a few days later.

Fatima lives in Tijuana, Mexico. She was playing with her dolls on Christmas Eve while her parents were preparing a big pot of pozole, a traditional stew that many Mexican families enjoy during festivities. They decided to leave the finished dish on the floor to make space in the kitchen for other plates. When Fatima went running through the kitchen, she didn’t know the pot was there and stumbled, spilling the contents all over her body, severely burning her arm and back in seconds.

Advanced Burn Care

Yini, her mom, rushed Fatima to the nearest emergency room, where the medical staff gave her first aid treatment. However, they realized that with Fatima’s second- and third-degree burns, they did not have the equipment or specialists to treat her properly.

“I was so worried that I just fell apart,” said Yini. “I never thought that a tragedy could happen in just two seconds.”

The medical staff in Tijuana transferred Fatima to Shriners Children’s Northern California, where she could receive proper treatment for her burns.

“The doctors told me that Shriners Children’s in Sacramento was the best option for Fatima because they specialize in both burns and pediatric care,” said Yini.

Fatima was admitted to the Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute, where a multidisciplinary care team prioritized her care and recovery process.

Pediatric burn surgeon Kathleen Romanowski, M.D., was in charge of Fatima’s care. She performed skin grafting surgery to restore mobility and functionality in her affected areas. Skin grafting is highly-effective in closing acute wounds quickly to help regulate body temperature, prevent infection, and allow body fluids to continue functioning properly. The dedicated staff at Shriners Children’s Northern California provided around-the-clock care and emotional support to Fatima and her family during her recovery process.

“I can’t thank Shriners Children’s enough for all the care and attention we received,” said Yini. “During such a difficult time, they made us feel like everything was going to be okay. The connection you create between other families; it’s priceless. We received so much love and encouragement during Fatima’s operation, and we never felt alone.”

A Happy Ending

Despite the challenges she faced, Fatima demonstrated incredible resilience and determination. With the help of her medical team and the love and support of her family, she gradually regained her strength and confidence. The physical therapy program played a crucial role in helping her rebuild her life, offering specialized exercises and resources tailored to her unique needs.

After a long month of recovering in the hospital, Fatima was ready to start the return trip back home. “It has been the toughest experience in my life,” said Yini. “I could not stop blaming myself after what happened. Now I know that accidents happen anytime, but now I feel better prepared to face them and, more importantly, to prevent them.”

Yini called on other parents and caregivers to be mindful of everyday dangers at home, to talk with their kids, and follow experts’ recommendations.

Fatima returned to Tijuana and is home recovering with outpatient therapy. A seamstress with the physical and occupational therapy team sewed a personalized burn compression garment for her, to help with the pain during healing and to prevent scarring. She will continue to be monitored closely until she makes a full recovery. Fatima and her family are grateful for the care they received at Shriners Children’s. Christmas holds a special meaning for them now, a reminder of the strength they discovered in Fatima and the unwavering support of her loved ones.