At just six years old, Fatima Sadjo of Ladson, South Carolina, already shows a strong sense of independence, according to her mother Seidi Sadjo. Helping in the kitchen is one of Fatima’s favorite activities, even making her family eggs on her own.
This love for cooking took a dangerous turn when the little girl was brewing hot chocolate and accidentally spilled it on herself, resulting in a severe burn. Sadjo rushed her daughter to Trident Medical Center, which sent them to The South Carolina Pediatric Burn Center at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
“There is something meaningful about this. None of my other kids have ever had this experience in a hospital. I don’t pray for anyone’s child to have to experience this. It can halt everything for you,” said Sadjo.
The South Carolina Burn Center at MUSC Health is the state's only comprehensive burn center and one of just a few burn centers in the region. In addition to offering adult care, MUSC Health serves as the only pediatric burn referral center in South Carolina, offering care at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.
At that hospital, caring for a child involves more than just medical treatment. Their experience during the stay matters just as much. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the care team said it’s important to show children like Fatima that they are loved. That’s why MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital child life department teamed up with Dunkin’ to celebrate the holiday of love with children during their stay at the hospital.
“We’ve had a good experience with nice people here. They invited us to this Valentine’s Day event. We usually take ourselves out, so this is something new for us to do,” said Seidi.
Courtesy of Dunkin’, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital Child Life Atrium was decorated with coloring sheets and Valentine’s grams along with heart shaped donuts children could decorate and eat. It left children with big smiles on their faces and a positive memory from their hospital visit.
"Our partnership with Dunkin’ is far reaching. Their support and hands-on involvement has a significant impact on our patients, families and Child Life program. The hospital is never a place that children choose to be, especially on holidays. With help from Dunkin’, we can serve up sweet memories of their stay.” said Betsy McMillan, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital child life manager.
“We’re honored to give back to the incredible individuals who do so much for our community,” said Emilly Bartels, Dunkin’ field marketing manager. “Bringing a little extra joy to the pediatric patients at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's was especially meaningful. Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and we were delighted to share a little sweetness and warmth to brighten their day.”
For Fatima, decorating Valentine’s Day donuts alongside her mother was a bright spot during her hospital stay, a reminder of the days ahead when she can return home and back to the kitchen she loves.
