'What Happens Next Is Up to You': Maci’s Story

Maci was 16 when she was trapped in a house fire in the middle of the night.

She was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital via MedFlight and then transported to Shriners Children’s Boston, where she stayed for a month for the treatment of severe second- and third-degree burns.

Now 28, Maci is a business owner and the proud mom of a 3-year-old son. “If you asked me 12 years ago where I’d be now, all of this would have seemed impossible,” she said. “I’m grateful for where I am, where my story has taken me, and the person that Shriners Children’s has shaped me to be because of the care and support I had when I needed it the most.”

In addition to the burn injuries Maci sustained in the fire, she also had extensive smoke inhalation injuries and needed to remain on a ventilator. She underwent multiple skin graft surgeries on her back as soon as her condition was stable. It was an overwhelming and difficult time for Maci’s entire family, as they navigated her hospitalization while also facing the loss of their home and belongings. The comprehensive, compassionate care she received gave them hope and comfort. “My doctors explained everything in depth and helped my family make the best decisions for me,” Maci said. “I was taken care of every step of the way.”

While Maci will forever be grateful for the medical care she received at Shriners Children’s Boston, she credits her child life specialist, Christen, with helping her recover from the mental impact of such a traumatic event. Child life specialists are an integral part of a patient’s care team, providing psychosocial support through age-appropriate interactions and activities. “She pushed me to be better and continue my fight, even on the hardest of days,” Maci said. “She is the most supportive and gentle person I’ve ever met.”

Child life specialists also provide support to patient families, helping build trust and understanding during a time of great uncertainty. Christen identified resources for Maci’s family to replace household items lost in the fire. She also secured clothing donations, something Maci will never forget. “She brought all of the clothes to my room, but because I couldn’t wear them yet, she did an entire fashion show for me,” recalled Maci. “We have remained in contact and still talk about it 12 years later.”

After her hospital stay, Maci received regular follow-up care at Shriners Children’s Boston for the next year. She was fitted with pressure garments to help promote healing and prevent scarring. Maci would also play with children in the clinic waiting room, offering support and encouragement to fellow burn survivors. “Helping children who also went through trauma, and bringing happiness to others, helped my healing process,” said Maci. “It was a big part of my journey.”

Maci’s wedding day was also a pivotal event in her healing journey, happening exactly seven years after the fire that caused her injuries. “I got married on my burn anniversary to take my day back,” she said. “I turned the worst day of my life into the best day of my life.”

Maci’s experience also led her to join the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and attend their World Burn Congress. Recently, she became a member of the Shriners Children’s Patient Alumni Network, connecting former Shriners Children’s patients to the healthcare system and one another.

Sharing her story and supporting others in the burn community has always been important to Maci. “My biggest advice to other burn survivors, no matter where they are at in their journey, is truly to just keep going,” she said. “Even when it feels impossible, or it hurts, or you feel like you have nothing left to give, push yourself, because the light is on the other side. Take control of the narrative and don’t allow your trauma to be your entire story. Let it be a chapter; what happens next is up to you.”