Shriners Children's Boston Patient Chloe is Co-Chairing the 2024 Boston Haunted Walk Along With Her Parents

Fifteen-year-old Chloe has been a patient at Shriners Children’s Boston since she was a toddler after burning both hands on a pellet stove.

Inspired by the care she received, Chloe is a committed supporter of the hospital, raising funds and awareness to help other children with burn injuries. For the past three years, Chloe and her family have participated in Shriners Children’s Boston’s signature fundraising event, the Boston Haunted Walk. This year, Chloe and her family are taking on an even bigger role: Chloe and her parents, Jennifer and Derek, are serving as co-chairs of the event. Jennifer explained that serving as co-chairs was an important way they could keep spreading the word about Shriners Children’s Boston and raising funds to support the organization.

Chloe was just a year old when her father, Derek, was filling a pellet stove, and she snuck between his legs. In an attempt to stand, she burned both palms on the hot stove. It all happened so fast that Derek did not have a chance to shield Chloe from the stove. He immediately alerted his wife, who called 911.

While Chloe experienced burns on both palms, her right hand was more seriously injured. She was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital in Maine, where she and her family live. It was a cold, snowy December night and the ambulance had trouble on the slippery roads. Chloe’s mom, who was with her in the ambulance, said, “The experience was harrowing, and the ambulance nearly went off the road a few times during the snowstorm.”

Once at the hospital, doctors recommended transferring Chloe to Shriners Children’s Boston. The severe weather delayed the transfer, so an on-call local hand surgeon examined her injuries. His initial diagnosis was that Chloe’s hand would heal and she would not need extensive follow up.

Two weeks later, during Chloe’s follow-up visit with the surgeon, it was clear that her hand injuries were more complicated than his initial diagnosis indicated. Chloe’s fingers and right hand had fused into a tight fist. At that point, the surgeon recommended occupational therapy, which Chloe participated in for about a year and a half.

While Chloe’s hand improved somewhat, Jennifer and Derek decided to seek treatment at Shriners Children’s Boston to see if more could be done for their daughter. Chloe had her first skin graft surgery at Shriners Children’s Boston with plastic surgeon Matthias Donelan, M.D., to begin the process of repairing her right hand and increasing its mobility. Since her injury, Chloe has had a number of procedures at Shriners Children’s Boston, including three surgeries and two skin grafts.

“I can’t imagine what would have become of Chloe’s hand if we did not come to Shriners Children’s for care. I am grateful for the expertise, compassion and philanthropic support that made Chloe’s care possible,” Jennifer said.

Over the years, Chloe and Jennifer have developed close relationships with several Shriners Children’s Boston staff. Medical photographer Sue Brogna and care manager Debbie Sullivan have made a particular impact. “My absolute lifesaver is Debbie Sullivan, who has been there since day one. She has been there to answer any questions or concerns I have had over the years, and made sure our trips down are as smooth as possible! We also can't forget our favorite photographer Susie,” said Jennifer.

In addition to her efforts supporting the Boston Haunted Walk, Chloe and her family have found many creative ways to raise funds for the hospital. During past holiday seasons, Chloe and her best friend, Courtney, sold homemade Christmas ornaments and hot chocolate at Ross' Trees and Wreaths (co-owned and operated by Chloe’s uncle) to benefit Shriners Children’s Boston. Chloe said, “Shriners has done so much for me and I wanted to give back!”

For the past three years, the family has hosted a 4th of July barbecue and fundraiser – aptly named Chloe’s Red, White, and Boo 4th of July Bash. “We have been very successful, and it keeps growing year after year! We are so fortunate to have such great support from our family and friends to pull this event together,” said Jennifer.

The family also started an ATV benefit ride with help from the Penobscot Ridge Riders ATV club. “It was our first year doing it and we had over 40 machines show up. I was taking down names, not paying attention. At one point, I finally looked up and there was just this huge line; it brought tears to my eyes. It's amazing to see strangers come together and support this wonderful cause, and it's our way of giving back and saying thank you for everything they have done for Chloe and other kiddos,” shared Jennifer.

Now a freshman in high school, Chloe loves animals – especially dogs and horses. When she is not exercising her philanthropic skills for Shriners Children’s Boston or attending classes, you can find her at the barn.

Registration is now open for the 5th annual Boston Haunted Walk on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at The Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley, Massachusetts, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All proceeds will support world-class pediatric burn care, reconstructive plastic surgery, and cleft lip and cleft palate care at Shriners Children’s Boston, provided regardless of families’ ability to pay or insurance status. For more information or to register, visit bostonhauntedwalk.org.