Kiki's Circle of Care: Patient, Alumni, Advocate

Kiki’s childhood was defined by a single, devastating moment – a house fire in Vietnam that left her with third-degree burns covering her legs, arms, hands, feet and part of her face.

The tragedy, which also left her two younger sisters badly burned, led her family to the United States in search of care they couldn’t access at home.

Her healing journey began in 2002 at Shriners Children’s Boston, where she and her sisters received specialized, compassionate care for two years. In 2004, her family moved to Sacramento, and her care transitioned to Shriners Children’s Northern California, where she would be treated until she turned 21.

“We were so poor,” Kiki said. “But at Shriners Children’s, care and resources were always provided regardless of our ability to pay. That was a huge lift for my dad.”

A Foundation of Comprehensive Care and Compassion

At the Northern California hospital, Kiki found more than medical expertise; she found a community.

Her plastic surgeon, Hugh Vu, M.D., MPH, managed a long series of painful but crucial procedures – skin grafts, the insertion of rods in her arms and fingers and rigorous therapy. She endured the challenge of pressure garments and a childhood punctuated by surgeries.

“I didn’t have a typical childhood because of the surgeries,” said Kiki. “But despite how hard everything was, we were glad to be at a hospital that supported and cared for us.”

The support system at Shriners Children’s proved transformative. Medical social worker Ana became a pivotal figure, helping Kiki’s family navigate resources, ensuring they had shelter and clothing, and introducing them to a wider world of healing.

“Ana had a huge impact,” Kiki said. “She introduced us to burn camp – Champ Camp and events with the Firefighters Burn Institute. Those experiences were so meaningful.”

One year, a coordinated effort provided the sisters with a limo ride and tickets to a Kings game. “Social workers were so thoughtful. They collaborated to bring us Christmas presents when we had very little,” said Kiki.

Finding Purpose in Lived Experience

The compassionate, resourceful model of care Kiki witnessed firsthand planted a seed. The safety she felt with the hospital staff – even when left alone before surgery as her dad went to work – and the comfort of blankets and stuffed animals from the child life team, left a lasting impression.

She carried that inspiration to the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied social work.

“It felt natural to be resourceful,” Kiki said. “I knew I wanted to work in a hospital setting, but I wasn’t sure where or how.”

Her path became clear. After working in San Francisco, she landed at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health in 2022 as a mental health clinician, working with teens and families. She now blends her clinical expertise with her powerful lived experience as a burn survivor.

“I take pride in owning my lived experiences to help heal and empower people,” said Kiki, who also leads support groups and speaking engagements, including a recent talk given to burn survivors. “Helping people own their stories and see different narratives can be very healing. It’s beautiful to see the way a dedicated aftercare team – with camps and resources – can change lives.”

A Message of Ripple Effects and Lasting Impact

For Kiki, Shriners Children’s was more than a hospital; it was the community she lacked growing up, showing her a life outside of her injuries.

“Burn survivor camps and meetups helped me see myself beyond the scars. It’s not overnight, but there is so much progress,” she said. “It’s not about what you do in life, but how you can see and enjoy life in spite of everything.”

When asked what she would say to those who support Shriners Children’s, her message is one of profound gratitude.

“The impact of monetary support goes very far in helping people with their healing journey and helping them find community,” Kiki said. “Sometimes when you go to a hospital, you can lose hope. Shriners Children’s gives that hope back. The support multiplies and has a big ripple effect.”