Sisters Survive Devastating House Fire with Courage

Siblings Irelyn and Rachel were trapped in their home as it was engulfed in flames. The sisters protected each other and escaped the devastation, but were traumatically scathed. They suffered third-degree burns that covered nearly half of their bodies. They also lost their family home. Irelyn was confined to an ICU bed for almost three weeks. She was unable to speak, had difficulty eating, endured four skin graft surgeries, painful daily dressing changes, and amputation of her fingers. She remained in the hospital for months and demonstrated an ability to adapt to unthinkable challenges. Irelyn was brave in her recovery and therapies as she fought through the pain and relearned how to walk and write among many other accomplishments. After being discharged, she continued her long road to recovery with additional procedures. Rachel was also confined to her bed in the ICU and remained hospitalized for months, undergoing three skin graft surgeries and painful daily wound care. She showed great maturity in adapting to challenging aspects of her burn treatment and began participating in her own wound care. Therapies were difficult, yet Rachel persevered setting an example for Irelyn, coping with humor. She also gave special attention to her sister’s progress and needs, and through her advocacy, they were able to visit each day. Irelyn is courageous, kind, and exudes strength. She’s a “helper at heart,” and an exemplary role model for her siblings and others. Rachel demonstrated tenacity during recovery and remained committed to recovery throughout her daunting challenges. Even after such emotional and physical devastation, the sisters remained positive, determined, courageous, and kind, also making an impact on their Social Worker Atheena Cabiness, at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California.She nominated the sisters, and Kids Wish Network is honored to acknowledge Irelyn and Rachel as superHeroes

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.