Ashley’s Story: A Childhood of Compassionate Care Inspires Self-Confidence and the Desire to Give Back

When Ashley was 5 years old, she was referred to Shriners Children’s Boston for laser surgery to treat a facial birthmark.

Now, 17 years later, that early experience has impacted not only her confidence but also her plans for the future. Ashley’s goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist and one day return to Shriners Children’s, the place she credits with giving her so much more than medical care.

“I really want to work at a place that had such a huge impact on my life,” Ashley said. “They truly gave me my self-confidence back.”

Ashley and her family were referred to Shriners Children’s Boston by her pediatric gastroenterologist, who believed the stomach issues she experienced as a child were linked to feelings of self-consciousness about her birthmark. Ashley soon began a series of laser treatments to lighten its appearance that would continue throughout her childhood.

While the improvement of her birthmark’s appearance was important, Ashley said it was the people at Shriners Children’s Boston who made the greatest difference. The uniquely trained child life specialists played a pivotal role in her care, helping her manage the anxiety she felt before each procedure.

“As a kid, any surgery is scary,” Ashley said. “I had child life specialists work with me to calm my nerves, and that helped a great deal. They were always so nice and very good at distracting me with video games, coloring and toys.”

Those moments went beyond simple distraction. The care team took time to explain everything, so Ashley always knew what to expect. They worked together to identify successful strategies Ashley could continue to use as she got older. “They taught me techniques to slow my anxiety that I still use today,” Ashley explained. “I was also able to get special makeup to help cover up parts of my birthmark that showed through. I still use that makeup for special occasions.”

One experience stands out as particularly pivotal in alleviating Ashley’s anxiety about undergoing repeated surgeries. “I asked if I could walk into the OR with my glasses on, since I usually took my glasses off before surgery. It was such a cool experience for me to see all of the machines and how the room was set up. A big part of my nerves was going into the OR, and after seeing it clearly, I didn’t get scared by it anymore.”

Ashley recalls other Shriners Children’s Boston clinicians who made a lasting impact, including retired plastic surgeon Mattias Donelan, M.D. “Dr. Donelan was my surgeon until my last procedure,” she said. “I truly could never thank him enough.” Nurse Jeanne MacDonald helped to reinforce the calming techniques that supported Ashley through each surgery. “Nurse Jeannie had such a positive impact on my life and always made sure I had everything I needed to lower my anxiety. She is the best nurse I have ever had, and I will miss seeing her.”

Medical photographer Sue Brogna was another familiar face Ashley looked forward to seeing at every visit. “She always knew how to make me laugh and brighten up any room she walked into,” said Ashley. “She took great pictures of my face and the progress I made, and I was always so excited to see her.”

As Ashley’s self-confidence grew during her treatment at Shriners Children’s Boston, so did her ability to appreciate her individuality. “Having a birthmark makes you unique and as you grow up with it, you really learn to embrace it.”

Currently a college senior, Ashley is interning at two elementary schools and looks forward to returning to the summer camp where she has worked for the past five years. She loves working with children, something she hopes to continue to do as a pediatric occupational therapist, ideally at Shriners Children’s.

Ashley looks back on her journey with gratitude and has words of encouragement for other patients experiencing something similar. “The bruising and recovery could be uncomfortable, but it was so worth it in the long run,” she said. “It can be scary, but there is nothing to be worried about because you have the best team who is going to take the best care of you. You will grow to love Shriners Children’s Boston as much as I did."