Impact Report 2024

JOSUE, AGE 27

PROVIDING HOPE AND HEALING Your generosity restores hope for children receiving burn treatment.

My experience was the best. I always felt comfortable and received excellent treatment. Each person on my care team made me feel at home.”

JOSUE Former patient at Shriners Children’s Boston

Burn injuries can be life-altering, but thanks to the comprehensive care at Shriners Children’s, these moments of adversity are met with healing, hope, and resilience. Gael and Josue are living proof of the life-changing impact of specialized burn care. Gael was just two years old when a kitchen accident at his home in Tijuana, Mexico, left him with severe burns from his abdomen to his thighs. His mother, Yoselin, made the difficult decision to leave her home and family to travel to Shriners Children’s Ohio for Gael’s extensive care. There, he underwent months of treatment, including skin grafting, to heal his wounds.

little superheroes that fights through everything with a smile on his face,” said Katherine Au, M.D., a plastic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Southern California, where Gael now receives follow-up care. Although his medical journey is far from over, Gael and his family look toward his bright future because of the care and compassion they have received from Shriners Children’s. Josue’s journey began in 2002 after his house in Honduras caught fire because of an electrical short circuit. The accident left him with third degree burns over 75% of his body, and he lost his right hand. In 2010, his care was transferred to Shriners Children’s Boston, where his family found a team

dedicated to improving his health and confidence. Josue’s care included laser surgery, physical therapy, and tissue expansion. His team ensured his recovery addressed his physical and emotional needs, providing patient-centered support at every step. Shriners Children’s is known globally for advancing pediatric burn care. At our locations which are verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons, care teams provide holistic services, including acute and reconstructive surgeries, psychological support, and therapies, to help children regain mobility and confidence. From telemedicine consultations

families like Gael’s and Josue’s have access to the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Today, Gael and Josue are thriving. Gael loves spending time with his family and playing soccer and dancing, while Josue is studying to become an industrial engineer. Their families remain grateful for the compassionate care they received. “The care and support Shriners Children’s has provided has been a blessing to my family,” said Yoselin. Their journeys of healing and resilience are a testament to the impact of Shriners Children’s care–and the kindness of those who make it possible.

Your support allows Shriners Children’s Hospital to continue providing

innovative, compassionate, and world-renowned burn care. Thanks to your generosity, children like Gael and Josue are rewriting their stories with courage, strength, and joy. •

In 2024, Shriners Children’s produced and delivered 59,431 Orthotics and Prosthetics to our patients.

“Not many 3-year-olds are as brave as Gael. He is one of our

to transportation services, Shriners Children’s ensures

GAEL, AGE 3

6 | SHRINERS CHILDREN’S

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