From the moment Gael arrived at Shriners Children’s Southern California, his gentleness and well-mannered demeanor drew everyone in.
He made his way through the medical center, smiling and saying hello to everyone and easily making friends with other patients. At first interaction, one would never know what he has been through at such a young age.
Gael was just 2 years old when a kitchen accident changed his life forever. While playing with his younger cousin in their home in Tijuana, Mexico, a stove toppled over, causing severe burns covering his abdomen to his thighs. His cousin suffered burns on her ankles, but unfortunately, Gael’s injuries were more extensive.
Scared but determined, Gael’s parents, Yoselin and Raul, rushed him to the nearest hospital. There, the doctor referred them to Shriners Children’s. The doctor assured them that Gael would receive the best care, giving them hope. Leaving her two other children and her husband behind in Tijuana, Yoselin made the difficult decision to travel to Shriners Children’s Ohio, knowing it would be the best place for Gael’s recovery.
Gael received skin grafting treatment at Shriners Children’s Ohio for three months, with Yoselin always by his side. Luckily, she soon received support from family when Gael’s cousin, accompanied by her aunt, arrived to receive treatment as well. When the young cousins saw each other, it lifted their spirits and helped ease their medical journey. Gael finished his treatment in Ohio and went back home to his siblings and father in Tijuana. The focus of his care shifted closer to home when he continued treatment at Shriners Children’s Southern California. From their home in Tijuana, they were able to connect via telemedicine with plastic surgeon Katherine Au, M.D., to map out a plan for Gael’s treatment.
