In December 2007, four-year-old Elizabeth, whose parents are American missionaries in Capula, Michoacan, Mexico, was burned while playing with the pilot lighter on a heater in her home. Elizabeth lit a piece of paper on fire, which in turn caught her dress on fire. She suffered burns on 25% of her body with third degree burns to her neck, chest and top of her legs.

Elizabeth’s parents contacted the Children’s Burn Foundation in February 2008. The Foundation learning of Elizabeth’s story agreed to fund Elizabeth’s state-of-the art medical treatment and reconstructive care to be performed in Mexico by Dr. Eligio Morales, a Mexican surgeon trained in the United States.

Elizabeth has recently undergone two surgical procedures to insert tissue expanders, which will stretch her skin over the next few months. The expanded skin will be used to replace much of the massive scar tissue on her chest, abdomen, and neck.

Elizabeth’s father has reported that she is responding well post-surgery and is making great progress with her treatment.