Braden's Journey to Healing

Braden's family was heading out to meet a puppy they might adopt. As she called her kids to come downstairs, Braden's mom, Amanda, heard the smoke alarm. She also heard screams. Braden had tried to extinguish a small fire upstairs with a bottle of rubbing alcohol.

A large team of doctors, nurses and specialists waited for Braden's arrival at Children's National Hospital. Burns covered 23% of his upper torso, neck and arms. He spent a week in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), followed by a month in our surgical recovery unit. During those 59 days, he underwent eight surgeries, including multiple skin grafts.

Braden's recovery extended far beyond his burn injuries. Mental health support quickly became a crucial part of his healing. Braden had always been a happy, affectionate and kind child. Now, he faced depression, anxiety and new fears triggered by the accident.

Inpatient psychological care, guided by Carrie Tully, PhD, became a pivotal part of Braden's healing. Although he struggled to talk about the accident with family, he found comfort and trust in his conversations with Dr. Tully.

Braden also developed a close bond with his nurse care coordinator, Margaret Gill, BSN, RN, CPN.

"Margaret has been Braden's biggest supporter and always went above and beyond," Amanda says. "Sometimes she would stay after her shift just to color with him and help him feel better. The only times he was happy were when she was around."

Circumstances even allowed Margaret to accompany Braden to a weeklong camp for children recovering from burn injuries. Today, Braden continues to visit Children's National for follow up care after nine additional surgeries to reduce scarring. His personality is shining through again, and he is excited that his family is thinking about adopting a puppy.

"Staff at Children's National saved my son's life. We could not be more grateful," Amanda says. "They gave my family a sense of peace and safety."