Dahiana’s Story: A Childhood of Compassionate Care at Shriners Children’s

When 21‑year‑old Dahiana walked through the doors of Shriners Children’s New England for the very last time, she felt a mix of sadness and gratitude.

For 17 years, Dahiana made an annual trip to Massachusetts for prosthetic care, forming a deep connection with the clinicians who supported her journey as a young amputee. Saying goodbye after a childhood of care was bittersweet. “I have to realize that this is my last trip,” she said. “It’s a little hard to think about since I have so many memories here.”

Dahiana’s life changed forever when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in her home country of the Dominican Republic. Just a toddler when it happened, Dahiana was treated for her injuries but lacked access to prosthetic care. Her family sought further treatment options and learned about the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) available at Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, Massachusetts.

With her father, Dahiana first traveled to Shriners Children’s New England when she was 4. There, she received a leg prosthesis and physical therapy to help her acclimate to wearing the device. According to Dahiana, it was difficult learning how to navigate life with a prosthesis at such a young age. “At first, I didn’t want to wear it. It was hard to get used to it, but it got better with time.”

Although wearing a prosthesis was an adjustment, Dahiana gained confidence from the physical therapists and POPS staff who treated her in those early years. She remembers their compassion and their ability to make her laugh. “Everyone always treated me so kindly,” she said. “I never felt anxious about taking the trip. It always felt good to be here.”

When her father passed away in 2019, Dahiana’s aunt, Ana, accompanied her on every trip to Shriners Children’s New England. The care management team helped to arrange their travel and lodging at the nearby Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, where they met other Shriners Children’s patients and families facing similar challenges. These relationships became a source of support and comfort while away from home.

Interpreting services were an essential part of Dahiana’s care. She and Ana formed a strong bond with Shriners Children's social worker and Spanish interpreter Mayra DeJesus, LCSW, who helped them navigate appointments, ask questions, and stay connected with the care team at Shriners Children's even while back home in the Dominican Republic. Grateful for her assistance and the friendship they formed, Ana and Dahiana presented Mayra with a plaque during their final visit. The plaque contained a heartfelt message of gratitude and thanks, describing Mayra as “more than a professional: a guide, a constant support, and a pillar of health and well-being for our family.”

For the last five years, Mayra has teamed up with Dahiana’s prosthetist, Liz Selgrade, MSPO, CPO, to ensure she has the necessary equipment and education in between visits to Shriners Children’s New England. This preparation is critical when working with international patients like Dahiana.

“The more components a device has, the greater the chance that something could break,” explained Liz. “We teach patients how to inspect their prosthesis and provide extra liners and other materials they might need. The language barrier can be a challenge, and Mayra is so important in bridging that gap. She forms such amazing relationships with patients and families and helps me understand what considerations I need to make.”

During her most recent visit, Liz helped Dahiana transition to a new prosthesis better suited to her needs. The belt‑suspended device she used for most of her childhood was no longer comfortable and was causing back pain. Liz recommended a design with a liner‑assisted suction system. “It was a good improvement,” said Liz. “The new liner creates a secure attachment and is much more comfortable for her.” Added Dahiana: “My new device makes me feel more free when I walk and is definitely more comfortable.”

Dahiana had a series of appointments with Liz to test the fit of her new prosthesis. Liz assessed her gait and, with Mayra’s help, relied on her feedback to make final adjustments. On their final visit, Dahiana and Ana were surrounded by friends from the Ronald McDonald House and their Shriners Children’s New England care team. Ana expressed their appreciation for all the years of care and all the memories made. “The treatment and everything Dahiana has received would never have been possible without everyone here,” she said. “We are eternally grateful for all of it.”