Andrea Grant is not your typical 20-something. She is a mom, entrepreneur and burn survivor born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. In August 2001, Andrea and her 11-year-old brother were caught in a tragic explosion of their family home. Andrea died and doctors brought her back. After being air lifted to Texas, enduring months of pain, numerous surgeries and learning how to eat, write, and walk again, they both survived! Her story of triumph now inspires both youth and adults all over the world.
On August 14, 2001, Andrea and her brother were literally on fire when they ran screaming from the house, said Lt. Rick Graham of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at the time.
"When you're that young and burned that badly, it's definitely life-threatening," Graham said.
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"My brother, age 11 at the time, and I, age 8, were coming home from school," explains Grant to BurnSurvivor.com. "Usually we waited outside of our home until my oldest sister hot off of her bus. The wait wasn’t that long, maybe five or ten minutes."
"On this particular day, we had a key, so we went inside. When walking into our home, my brother and I smelled gas, yet at that age didn’t understand what to do. We just proceeded with our regular routine."
"Once we flicked on a light switch in the kitchen, the kitchen and living room area blew up which knocked down an wall that would become our exit. Help from our neighbors kept us calm until fire and rescue arrived. Later on, we found out the explosion was caused by a leak."
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"We were flown by a medical jet to Galveston, Texas and received treatment at Shriner’s Hospital. I suffered second and third degree burns to 80% of my body. Our mother, Katana Campbell, who was at work at the time of the explosion, stood at our bedside for two months making sure that we kept every limb on our body."
"My mother prayed and kept strong, running from my brother’s room to my room. For that, I am so thankful. Her daily...
...prayers, as well as prayers from other people and our church, helped us make it through the hard times. We left Shriners with every limb on our body and a joyful and thankful spirit. Thank-you Jesus"
After recovering, Grant was told she couldn’t carry a baby past four months, but she miraculously gave birth and is a mother of two; a son and a daughter.
She’s also using her platform wisely. She formed a group called Beyond Scars to help other burn victims. The Red Cross is on board and the response is great. The next time someone doubts their worth or ability, Grant wants them to remember these words:
“Once you build up your confidence, no one can take it down.”
For more on Andrea and her story, click here.
