Zoni's Remarkable Recovery

Severe Burns Lead to 35 days at Nationwide Children's Hospital
When Zoni was three years old, what was supposed to be a fun camping vacation to Michigan soon turned into a trip her family would never forget. Zoni and her family were around the campfire when her parents stepped away for just one minute to grab dinner preparations. Zoni turned too quickly to look at her brother, lost her balance and fell into the fire. She landed on her backside and suffered major burns on her legs, bottom and one of her arms. Zoni was stabilized in Michigan and then transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital, where she was an inpatient for 35 days. Zoni's condition was severe, so the medical team put her in an induced coma for six days. She ultimately spent 18 days in the intensive care unit.

When she was stable, Zoni had one debridement procedure to clean the burned area and then underwent skin graft surgery. Soon after, with the help of the staff at Nationwide Children's, Zoni began returning to her old self. Throughout her time at the hospital, she particularly enjoyed interacting with the child life specialists, who took her mind off the pain by distracting her with toys, games, books, music and art. During such a scary and emotional time for Zoni and her parents, these distractions were a blessing.

The Christine Wilson Burn Center at Nationwide Children's treats infants through young adults whose burns cover anywhere from 1 percent to 85 percent of their bodies. We use the newest technology and treatments, from advanced operating rooms to spacious procedure rooms right on the unit floor to positive distractions that ease the worries of even our littlest patients. It takes a team to care for burn patients, including psychologists, social workers and recreational, massage and music therapists. All work together as one to provide the best family-centered care.

Zoni's parents are grateful to Nationwide Children's for saving their daughter's life and providing the best care for their whole family. You'd never know from interacting with Zoni now that she had this experience-she's a rambunctious, talkative, very spirited little girl. She is back at school and enjoys playing with her friends. Recently, Zoni wore her very own doctor's uniform to her follow-up appointment-just to keep everyone laughing and entertained.

To meet Zoni, click here. To learn more about how you cansupport continued exceptional care at Nationwide Children's, contact: