Help 7-Year-Old Elian Heal After a Devastating Burn Accident

My name is Daasha, and I am creating this fundraiser for our sweet 7-year-old Elian, who is currently being treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital after suffering severe burns in a heartbreaking accident.

Before anything else, we want people to know who Elian is.

Elian is the youngest of seven boys and has six older brothers who adore him. He is a bright light in our family — sweet, loving, faith-filled, and full of life. He loves going to church, reading his Bible, learning about God, and spending time with the people he loves.

At only 7 years old, he is now facing something no child should ever have to go through.

On Monday night, Elian and his 11-year-old brother, Benji, were doing what they thought was a “science experiment.” They mixed hand sanitizer, Dove soap, and rubbing alcohol, not realizing how dangerous it could become.

When a lighter was introduced, Elian’s shirt caught fire.

Benji immediately reacted and got his little brother into the shower to put out the flames. The rest of the family woke up to the commotion, and Elian was rushed for emergency care.

He was first taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center and was transferred that same night to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital for specialized pediatric burn treatment.

Elian is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

He suffered second-degree burns over approximately 19% of his body. The right side of his face was burned and became severely swollen and blistered. He also suffered burns to his right abdomen and legs, and some of his most significant injuries are to his right arm, hand, and fingers.

Since arriving at Jackson Memorial, Elian has already undergone debridement, extensive wound care, painful dressing changes, physical therapy, ophthalmology evaluations, psychological support, and intensive pain management.

Right now, we do not know how long he will remain hospitalized.

His doctors have to watch how his wounds heal and how his body responds to treatment. His stay may last for weeks or longer, and even after he is discharged, his recovery will continue.

Elian will need to return to Jackson Memorial regularly for follow-up care, including ophthalmology and other specialists. He may also need continued wound care, physical and occupational therapy, medications, medical supplies, and additional treatment as he heals.

At just seven years old, he may be facing months of recovery.

We have created this GoFundMe with a goal of $500,000 to help support Elian and his family through his hospitalization and long recovery.

Right now, his family needs to be able to focus on what matters most: being by his side, helping him through therapy and painful wound care, praying with him, and helping him heal.

This accident does not define Elian.

He is still the sweet little boy who reads his Bible.

He is still the youngest brother of seven.

He is still a child full of faith, love, and light.

And he has an entire family standing beside him.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, please share Elian’s story and keep him in your prayers.

Please pray for his pain to ease, his wounds to heal, his face and eyes to recover, and for the strength and movement of his arm, hand, and fingers.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every donation, share, message, and prayer.

Elian has a long road ahead of him, but he will not walk it alone.

#ElianStrong