Brooklyn the Brave

Our daughter, and pride and joy, Brooklyn, was born December 12, 2012. I remember the day so vividly: I called my husband Chris to let him know that my water had broke, and that he should leave work and come home right away so that we could head to the hospital for the birth of our first baby. Life felt so perfect.

Fast forward two months, on February 13, 2013, I had to make a very different phone call to Chris.  I had to tell him that my sister and I were on our way to our local hospital as there had been an accident. The boiling water from the bottle warmer fell into Brooklyn’s bassinet while she was sleeping. I felt so helpless, but my sister helped keep me calm and immediately started first aid. Here I was, a new mom, who was supposed to protect my baby girl, but I felt like I had failed her.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the staff quickly examined Brooklyn and advised that they did not have the experience to deal with her injury. We were then rushed by ambulance to SickKids Hospital, as they had a burn team experienced in treating burn injuries. 

When arriving at the hospital, the burn team informed us that Brooklyn's burns covered fifteen percent of her body and that the next forty-eight hours would be the most critical (as a burn can take time to declare itself). Brooklyn’s burn was bandaged, and she was quickly admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). 

That first night was one of the most difficult nights of our lives. It was heartbreaking to see our baby hooked up to so many machines while her heart rate skyrocketed. The amazing nurses on the unit did their very best to keep her comfortable, and manage her pain and swelling. As new parents this entire experience was terrifying.

After a few days in the PICU, Brooklyn was transferred to the burn unit. At that point, I had never met anyone who experienced a burn injury, so I really didn’t know what to expect. We had no idea at the time that we would be spending the next five weeks in the 8C Burns and Plastics unit. The hospital became like home to us. We were fortunate because we lived in Toronto, and had the support of a large family and a group of friends who prayed for Brooklyn, helped keep us positive, and visited us. 

During Brooklyn’s hospital stay, it felt like she was taking one step forward and two steps back.  My husband and I were pulled into a room to have one of the most difficult conversations of my life: the medical team told us that Brooklyn’s burns were much more severe than originally anticipated. She had second and third-degree burns that would require a skin graft surgery. 

At just three months old, she became one of Dr. Fish’s youngest patients to receive this surgery. We were still very new to all of this, but we put all our faith in Dr. Fish and his team, and asked lots of questions along the way. During our stay, we got to know pretty much every staff member that worked in the unit. They were always so kind and patient. 

About a week after Brooklyn’s surgery, we received the news that we had never given up hope on. Brooklyn’s skin graft took ninety-eight percent! We were so happy! After five long weeks, we were finally able to take our baby girl home and begin her healing journey. 

Caring for her at home now included daily stretching, massage, and regular follow up appointments at the hospital. The burn team not only helped Brooklyn with her recovery, but they also helped our whole family heal. They became like family to us. 

About a year and a half after Brooklyn’s injury, we learned about a new laser therapy treatment that was coming to SickKids. The laser would help improve the colour and texture of her scars.  Brooklyn will go for another laser therapy surgery this April, and will likely have other procedures as she continues to grow. But for now, we just focus on her present. 

As she has gotten older, she knows a bit more about what to expect as she goes in for treatment. The staff are always so welcoming, and have really seen her grow over the last nine years. She has shown us how brave and resilient she is. She is currently in grade four. She loves pets, to swim, and play soccer. Brooklyn is a very happy and positive child. We could not be prouder of her. 

Since her burn injury, our family has participated in an annual burn picnic, as well as a family day for burn survivors. These events give the children affected by a burn injury a chance to have fun with other burn survivors, and parents a chance to connect with each other. It is comforting to know that we are not alone. 

We have also been introduced to Camp BUCKO, a special place for burn survivors in Ontario. Brooklyn is really looking forward to attending a weeklong overnight camp with other burn survivors this summer. 

It has taken a long time for me to stop thinking about the “what if’s,” or the guilt that I felt for not being able to protect Brooklyn that day. One of the most important lessons I have learned through this journey is the importance of gratitude.  I will always be incredibly grateful for the burn team, for the family that was with us day in and day out, and for the friends we have made along the way. 

Thank you and God Bless, 

Ashley C.