The burn unit of a hospital can be a lonely, boring place, especially for a 10-year-old boy.
But Kevin Gonzalez’s room at Torrance Memorial Medical Center got a little brighter this week, thanks to a visit from some unlikely Santas.
Hoping to give the family a little holiday cheer, firefighters from the Manhattan Beach Firefighters Burn Foundation stopped by the hospital Monday to drop off food and gifts — along with a $500 check — for Gonzalez and his family.
The Banning family of six had been surviving on food stamps in the wake of father Catarino Gonzalez’s recent layoff when their car was struck by two vehicles racing in Los Angeles on Dec. 7. The drivers fled. The accident totaled the family’s only car.
A large pot of hot soup in the back seat splashed over Kevin, causing severe second-degree burns down his left leg. He was transferred last week to Torrance Memorial, one of three burn centers in Los Angeles County. A nurse said Kevin’s injury was significant.
But as he sat in his bed Monday, his left leg bound tightly in white bandages, Kevin politely answered questions from guests, smiling often, brushing off compliments or attempts to elicit lengthy Christmas lists.
He was gracious, humble, soft spoken.
Before the firefighters arrived, Kevin said his leg hurt, but only when he tried to walk. He was calm, but clearly eager to be discharged, which could happen as soon as Wednesday. The oldest of four, Kevin said his younger brother had been looking for him at home, calling out his name.
“It’s kinda boring to be in a hospital,” Kevin said.
His doctor, surgeon Matthew Reiss, who specializes in burns, said most kids look at him in terror when he walks into their room.
“Kevin just starts to laugh every time he sees me,” Reiss said, smiling. “He’s a great patient.”
When they walked in with a basket of goodies, the firefighters discovered why.
They handed Kevin a few plastic firefighter helmets.
“Is that enough helmets for (you and your siblings)?” one fireman asked.
“It’s more than enough,” Kevin replied politely.
“I’m so happy to see you smiling, your attitude. You are crazy cool,” Manhattan Beach fire Capt. Derek Edmonds said.
The firefighters asked Kevin about his injury, about school, and then, more importantly given the season, if he had a Christmas wish list.
“Sometimes we bump into Santa,” Edmonds said.
Kevin listed off a few things for him and his siblings — Aquabots, a singing Elsa doll from “Frozen,” a bike, and walkie-talkies.
“Here you go! You got it,” Edmonds said, jokingly handing Kevin his department-issued two-way radio.
The firefighters promised Kevin a ride in a fire engine and a tour of the fire station and Manhattan Beach once he recovers. They also will buy gifts for Kevin and his siblings.
Firefighter Matt Simkins said he was impressed with Kevin’s attitude and presence during the visit.
“The definition of bravery is that young man right there,” he said. “This may sound trite, but young men like Kevin make our lives better.”
