Hometown: Clendenin, WV
Age on Race Day: 18
Diagnosis: Second and Third-Degree Burns
At 22 months old, Sophia was severely burned by scalding water from a bathroom sink. Upon being rushed to Nationwide Children's Hospital, she was determined to have second and third-degree burns. Sophia spent 30 days in the burn clinic where she underwent burn debridement twice a day, occupational therapy, and skin graft surgeries. Due to her young age, she also required a feeding tube and IVs.
“The nurses and doctors were very caring, and the therapists worked with me every day,” Sophia recalls of her time in-patient.
Once discharged, her journey was far from over. Though no longer in the hospital, Sophia’s recovery included daily bandages changes, compression garments, splints, appliances for mobility, and biweekly check-ups with the burn clinic.
“The hospital always made sure I had the supplies I needed for recovery,” shares Sophia. “Through this entire process the staff at the burn clinic and occupational therapy have been exceptional with their care and attitudes toward my family and me.”
Now 18, Sophia has undergone a total of 14 surgeries comprised of skin grafts, regrafting, skin graft reduction, and lasers. Though a long and painful process, Sophia has never let her burns get in her way. She has complete mobility for daily tasks and even volunteers her time with her local fire department and is training to get an EMT license.
“I will always be grateful for the help and support I’ve had for the last 15 years at Nationwide Children’s,” Sophia says. “Now because of their diligence I am able to do the things I love.”
