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Right on Track: Shriners Children’s Boston Helps Davis Get Back Up and Running After Burn Injury

Sep 15, 2024

The cross country season had just started when Davis, 17, was badly burned while standing near a bonfire that accelerated unexpectedly.

Davis was taken to his local emergency department and Massachusetts General Hospital before being transported to Shriners Children’s Boston, with burns covering 30% of his body.

After he was admitted, Davis and his parents, Doug and Amy, received promising news: His doctors were confident that Davis would be running again in three weeks. For the standout runner and high school senior, it sounded almost too good to be true. Doug and Amy were shocked but hopeful. With the help of personalized, patient-centered care at Shriners Children’s Boston, Davis made a surprising return to competition while keeping his future goals on track.

At the start of his inpatient stay, running outside seemed like a distant goal for Davis. He started each morning with dressing changes for his wounds, which were uncomfortable and exhausting. He would take a nap afterwards, and another in the afternoon. His nurses explained the healing process took energy and encouraged him to rest as much as possible. Davis recalls how their support helped him navigate these early days. “Lisa and Julie were two of my nurses in the beginning, and they were very helpful,” he said. “Sometimes we had conversations not even regarding my care, but about college applications and running.”

Doug and Amy also felt supported and reassured as they learned more about Davis’ injuries and treatment plan. “Davis’ care team was there until all our questions were answered and we had everything we needed. We never felt rushed,” said Doug. “At first, we were worried that this was going to change everything for his senior year. With their help, we realized that we were going to make it through this.”

Photo above by John Risley

Davis was so well taken care of from the beginning. All of the staff were such advocates for him. Whatever he wanted to do or whatever he needed, they were committed to helping him get there.
Amy, Davis' mom

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Although he found it hard to eat much at first, as an athlete Davis knew proper nutrition was an important part of his recovery. His dietary plan had to be customized to incorporate gluten-free options. “The dining staff was exceptional,” said Amy. “They were very attentive to making meals for Davis that were gluten-free and high in protein. They took the time to get to know him and what kinds of food he liked.”

When Davis was ready to transition from the ICU, Amy was nervous about the next phase of his care at Shriners Children’s Boston. She was greatly comforted by the wrap-around support he received. “Davis was so well taken care of from the beginning,” she explained. “All of the staff were such advocates for him. Whatever he wanted to do or whatever he needed, they were committed to helping him get there.”

The chance to run again was never far from Davis’ mind, especially as he was able to increase his activity level. He walked laps around the inpatient unit and soon had the strength to walk up and down stairs. When his older brother and a group of friends came to visit, they played foosball in the seventh floor playroom. Since his injuries prevented him from being in the sun, Davis and Doug improvised and went outside for walks at night.

As he prepared to transition home, Davis’ care team was a valuable resource. They educated him about the products he needed to use on his skin as he continued to heal. When they learned he would be painting outside for a summer job, they helped him order sunscreen and protective clothing. “They prepared me well to settle in at home and go about my daily routine,” said Davis. “I felt like I knew how to take care of everything.”

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male burn patient Davis with two nurses — Davis smiles with Julie (left) and Lisa (right) on the inpatient unit, two of the nurses he credits with supporting him during his hospital stay.

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Two weeks and five days after he was hospitalized, Davis ran a half mile. He gradually increased his mileage and competed in a cross country meet just a month after his injury, placing second on his team. “I really surprised myself; I had no idea what my time was,” he said. “I only missed a couple of meets and came back to compete in the last four. It was so nice to be out there again.”

Over the next year Davis returned to Shriners Children’s Boston for follow-up care. Working with physical therapists and occupational therapists, he was fitted with a custom pressure garment that he wore 22-23 hours a day. He was also given a skin care routine to follow twice daily, including massage of the burned areas, to promote healing and manage scarring.

Davis, now 18, is a freshman at Trinity College in Connecticut, where he will compete on the track team. In October, Davis and his family will take part in the Boston Haunted Walk for the second straight year. Doug and Amy learned about the event when Davis was first hospitalized. Grateful for their experience at Shriners Children’s Boston, they decided it was a great opportunity to give back and help other families receive the same level of personalized burn care.

As he reflects on his recovery and return to running, Davis has some words of advice for other athletes experiencing a similar setback. “Even though it seems very difficult at first, you just have to stay focused on doing everything you need to recover,” he said. “As far away as you might seem from your normal self, you will get back to it. It will get easier.”

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