Goodyear Fire Captain Experiences Burn Center from a Parent’s Perspective
For years, Simeon Cheatham, Fire Captain in Goodyear, Arizona, brought patients to the burn center at Valleywise Health. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine someone he loved would receive life-saving treatment at the same facility.
In May, Cheatham’s 18-year-old daughter, Asharie, was involved in a terrifying three-vehicle accident on the I-10 freeway. She was trapped inside a burning car, honking her horn and beating on the windows, trying unsuccessfully to escape.
Thanks to the quick thinking of an off-duty Goodyear police officer, Dakota Berry, who was driving by and jumped into action, Asharie was rescued but critically injured. Officer Berry had no idea he was saving the life of a fellow civil servant’s daughter.
Asharie was rushed to Valleywise Health, home to the world-renowned Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center. The Arizona State University freshman sustained third-degree burns over more than 30% of her body, including her face, head and arms.
She spent nearly six weeks in the hospital, where she underwent countless surgeries, skin grafts and hours of physical and occupational therapy.
“I have dropped off a lot of patients at Valleywise over the years, but now I am seeing it from a different side, a parent’s side,” said Captain Cheatham. “I am speechless about the level of care the hospital staff provides and the miracles they perform there every day.”
“There are not enough words to express my appreciation to the Valleywise Health team – every doctor, every surgeon, every nurse,” he said. “The procedures they perform in the burn clinic and all the healing Asharie has done there is nothing short of amazing.”
Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the Arizona Burn Center, said a burn of this magnitude is a lifelong injury. Asharie will likely undergo reconstructive and laser surgeries in the future and will work extensively with physical therapists to regain full use of her limbs.
“My daughter is a remarkable young woman who’s courageous, determined and full of life,” Captain Cheatham said. “Even in the face of unimaginable pain and challenge, Asharie’s resilience shines through.”
“Every day, she inspires us with her strength and determination to heal and, although this road will not be easy, she has never backed down from adversity,” he concluded. “With the continued outpouring of support from our community, the excellent work of the healthcare providers at Valleywise and God’s grace, I have no doubt she will rise from this even stronger than before.”
