Charlize Davis was ecstatic when she learned she’d been chosen to design jewelry for Kendra Scott’s annual fundraiser benefiting Tampa General Hospital’s Muma Children’s Hospital.
The 10-year-old didn’t know much about the fashion jewelry company. But she knew exactly what she wanted to create.
“I picked them to make them cute,” Charlize said of her Brave Heart Collection — purple and pink earrings, a pink and green necklace, and a red and white bracelet. “All are like hearts.”
The heart theme is fitting for a girl whose parents say has shown remarkable courage over the past 13 months.
On Black Friday 2024, the day after Thanksgiving, Charlize’s family had just finished putting up their Christmas decorations. They lit an indoor-outdoor fire pit when a fuel canister caught fire and exploded.
Charlize sustained first-, second- and third-degree burns, the worst on her face and leg. Her father, Michael Davis, didn’t immediately realize she was on fire.
“I thought she was calling out to me because she was afraid of the fire, but when I turned around to usher inside the house, I saw her hair was on fire,” Michael said. “I put it out.”
Charlize spent 2½ to three weeks hospitalized at Muma Children’s Hospital. Michael said her injuries were so severe she was “unrecognizable at first.” Her eyes were swollen so badly she couldn’t see.
During her hospital stay, Charlize underwent a ReCell procedure across her face and legs, along with a skin graft on one of her legs. The burn teams at Tampa General Hospital and USF Medical worked to avoid additional skin grafts on four areas of concern on her face.
“The medical care, paired with the love and encouragement from the doctors, nurses and staff at Muma Children’s Hospital, transformed an unbearably dark time into one filled with hope,” said Charlize’s mother, Jamie Davis.
The family also found support from their community of neighbors, coworkers, Charlize’s school, family and friends.
Three weeks after the fire, Charlize made a prediction.
“One day I’m going to be on stage telling my story,” she told her father.
Thirteen months later, she returns monthly for laser treatments to break up scar tissue — painful procedures she’ll need for at least four more sessions. The family got rid of all their candles after Charlize developed an adverse reaction to fires.
Yet her parents marvel at her resilience.
“If you know Charlize, you know she’s strong, independent, and an absolute fighter,” Jamie said. “Despite everything she has been through, Charlize remains the same loving child who sings and dances in the hallways, hugs everyone she meets, and believes every day is full of rainbows. That joy shines through every colorful piece in this collection.”
Charlize has used her recovery to help others. When she met an older girl who had been burned at a barbecue, Charlize gave her cards and stuffed animals that friends had given her. She even offered to sleep on the hospital floor so her father could have her bed.
“She’s always considerate of others,” Michael said. “She always wants to be the light.”
Much of that light comes from the Child Life program at Muma Children’s Hospital, which provides activities and emotional support for young patients. Therapy dog Millie rode with Charlize to procedures. Miniature ponies visited. Child Life workers arranged virtual tours of the zoo and aquarium using robots Charlize could control remotely, wheelchair rides around Tampa Bay, a Fantasy Flight experience with United Airlines and a Ringling Circus visit. Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Tristan Wirfs also made a special visit.
“Child Life made her stay at the hospital 100 times better,” Michael said.
The Child Life Fund provides therapeutic activities, emotional support and play-based interventions for pediatric patients. Child Life specialists help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of hospitalization through age-appropriate preparation, education and support.
Creating jewelry for Kendra Scott’s annual Kendra Gives Back program gave Charlize and her family a chance to help the program that helped her.
“Creating this collection is her way of giving back, celebrating the hospital that continues to change her life, and helping other children receive the same level of care,” Jamie said. “We believe that she will use this difficult experience to inspire and touch the lives of others.”
At the Kendra Scott store in Hyde Park Village, Charlize designed her collection with her signature colors.
“I really loved all the activities, and I loved all the animals for the patients,” Charlize said of her hospital experience. The jewelry “made me feel good and was a cool experience.”
The earrings — purple and pink, her favorite colors — are her favorite piece. “I really like the colors, and I like to wear earrings,” she said.
Her message for others facing tough times is simple: “There’s always a plan and just be brave through it. Brave and strong heart through the toughest times.”
Today, Charlize is back to her active life — gymnastics, soccer and a horse club every Sunday. She gives speeches at her church. Michael says you almost don’t see the scars anymore.
Her favorite Child Life workers are Kiersten, who is “fun and exciting,” and Courtney, who “always has the dogs with her.” Her favorite doctor is Dr. Kim, who “is always spirited and loud.”
Sarah Frahn, vice president of Women and Children’s Services at TGH, said the partnership supports the hospital’s mission.
“We’re so thankful for the partnership with Kendra Scott, which will help to buy toys, games and enrichment activities for our young patients,” Frahn said. “It’s wonderful to see the community come together during the holidays to support our pediatric patients.”
Kendra Scott hosted an event Dec. 9 benefiting Muma Children’s Hospital at the Hyde Park store, 1511 W. Swann Ave. in Tampa, with 20 percent of sales supporting the Child Life Fund.
The Brave Heart Collection by Charlize and TGH Blue collection are available online at kendragivesbacktotgh2025.splashthat.com. Use code GIVEBACK-TGH2025 at checkout on kendrascott.com through Dec. 18, and 20 percent of each order will benefit Muma Children’s Hospital.