Former Shriners Children’s Boston Patient Encourages Other Burn Survivors to Embrace Their Journey 

Sienna was just two years old when an accidental spill of boiling honey resulted in second and third degree burns on her leg, hand and torso.

Living in Ontario, Canada, Sienna’s family sought treatment at Shriners Children’s Boston after a lengthy stay at a Canadian hospital.

Now 21, Sienna has advice and encouragement to share with other burn survivors as she reflects on the care she received throughout her childhood. “My journey through burn treatment has been long and sometimes difficult, but it has also been filled with support, resilience and moments of joy,” she said. “Your experiences, no matter how challenging, have shaped who you are and the person you will become. Embrace your story and the strength you have gained from it.”

The youngest of four children, Sienna’s burn injury occurred when her siblings were making breakfast early one morning. Her sister heated honey in the microwave for an extended time, causing a hole in the bottom of the container. When Sienna’s sister removed the jar with oven mitts and discovered the container had melted, she ran into a nearby bedroom, where Sienna and her mother were still sleeping. As she attempted to hand the container to her mother, the hot liquid spilled on Sienna.

Upon their arrival at the nearest emergency department, Sienna’s mother was told they would have to take an air ambulance to a children’s hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Sienna’s father, a mine manager, got an emergency radio call underground directing him to drive to the airport immediately. He arrived in time to meet Sienna and her mom on the tarmac. In Winnipeg, the family learned that Sienna had suffered second and third degree burns and required skin grafts.

A Place to Turn

After many weeks in the hospital, Sienna’s mother began searching for pediatric facilities that could help her daughter’s burn injuries heal properly. She was referred to a local shrine center which offered support and suggested she contact Shriners Children’s Boston. Sienna traveled to Boston with her mom for follow-up appointments every six months until she turned 6 years old. “The cost of travel and lodging was covered, which was a huge help,” said Sienna.

Sienna’s care team at Shriners Children’s Boston monitored her healing and provided a care plan for scar management, including compression garments. They also presented options for future care. “During my last appointment, we discussed the option to get laser treatments when I turned 16,” she said. “The goal was to reduce the thickness and appearance of the scars with a series of treatments.”

As she got older, Sienna considered the possibility of returning to Shriners Children’s Boston. “I was teased quite a bit as a young teenager for my scars,” she said. “For a long time, I questioned if I should move ahead with laser treatment.”

After discussing it with her family, Sienna decided to email her nurse care manager, Sandy Barrett, BSN, RN, CCM, when she turned 16. Sandy worked with Sienna’s family to navigate pandemic travel restrictions and arrange for her treatment series to begin. Grateful for the opportunity to continue her care journey, Sienna said, “The fact that Shriners Children’s Boston gave me the opportunity to feel better in my own skin is something I will never forget.”

A Grateful Return

Returning to Boston after a ten-year absence brought back many fond memories for Sienna. She enjoyed visiting her favorite places each time she returned for laser treatment, including TD Garden. “My whole family has always been big hockey fans, but more specifically Bruins fans,” she said. “Having the opportunity to go to many games definitely helped keep a smile on my face through treatment.” Sienna and her family also valued the opportunity to meet people from around the world during their stays in Boston. “We often found ourselves meeting new people and creating new connections. I gained a newfound compassion and understanding for other people through my time at Shriners Children’s.”

Above all, it is Sienna’s care team that she remembers with the most gratitude. “The members of my care team that made the biggest impact were Branko Bojovic, M.D., and Sandy Barrett,” she said. “Sandy guided me every step of the way, and her visits and hugs post-op always put a smile on my face. Doctor B. was very clear and concise, so I knew exactly what to expect before, during and after surgery. He is very interested in the lives of his patients and is such a kind man.”

Today, Sienna enjoys an active lifestyle and cherishes the time she spends with her nieces and nephews. She is starting a post-secondary program in social work, fulfilling a desire to help people in her community. Now that her care journey at Shriners Children's has ended, she has words of support for other burn survivors. “Life may have thrown you a scary curveball, but healing is possible, especially with care from Shriners Children’s. I promise you that although it may not seem like it now, you will treasure your time spent, the people you meet, and the experiences you gain through your time at Shriners Children’s Boston.”