Born With Birthmarks Covering Most of Her Body — After Nearly 20 Years of Treatment, She Returned to Boston With a Remarkable Story

When Sarah was born, much of her body was covered in congenital nevi — pigmented birthmarks that are present at birth and can increase in size as a child grows.

For her parents, who lived in Alabama, finding appropriate medical care became an immediate concern.

At the time, information about managing extensive congenital nevi was limited, and the physicians they initially consulted were uncertain about the best treatment approach.

Determined to find answers, Sarah’s family began searching beyond their home state.

A Medical Journey That Began at One Year Old

Sarah’s parents visited several hospitals before a family member recommended Shriners Children’s Boston.

She began receiving treatment there when she was just one year old.

The journey was especially challenging for her parents, who had to navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system while English was their second language.

Nevertheless, they continued bringing their daughter to Boston approximately twice a year.

Those visits would remain part of Sarah’s life for almost two decades.

Years of Specialized Treatment

Sarah’s medical team used plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques to reduce the extent of her congenital nevi over time.

According to Shriners Children’s, treatment for these birthmarks depends on their size, location and severity.

Specialists must also consider how a child’s body will grow and how scars may change throughout development.

For Sarah, care required long-term planning rather than a single procedure.

Her family relied on the medical team not only for treatment but also for guidance on how to care for her between appointments.

A Hospital That Became Her Second Home

Although Sarah experienced frightening moments during treatment, she also developed warm memories of the hospital.

She recalled completing homework with hospital educators, participating in arts and crafts, and taking small trips with staff.

One particularly memorable occasion involved organizing a talent show in which patients performed for one another.

Over time, the people caring for Sarah became important figures in her childhood.

She later credited their kindness and patience with influencing her own ambitions.

From Childhood Patient to Public Health Professional

After growing up, Sarah pursued a Bachelor of Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

She subsequently worked in clinical research and consulting before earning a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University.

Her experiences working in Myanmar strengthened her interest in helping communities during emergencies, when access to healthcare can become especially difficult.

She went on to work in emergency management in New York City, including during the early response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Returning to the City Where Everything Began

In 2020, Sarah moved back to Boston to pursue doctoral studies in public health.

The following year, she began working at Mass General Brigham as director of emergency preparedness while continuing her research.

By the time Shriners Children’s shared her story in November 2023, Sarah had earned a doctorate in public health from Harvard University.

Returning to Boston carried special meaning. It was the city where her parents had once brought her as a baby, searching for answers about a condition few people understood.

Sarah viewed her career as an opportunity to give back by protecting access to healthcare for others.

Her journey, which began with a family determined to help their little girl, had come full circle.

Source: Shriners Children’s Boston, November 9, 2023 — A Full-Circle Journey Back to Boston.