Inspirational Burn Victim Slams Bullies With Beautiful Tattoo

#1

19 years ago, a devastating house fire left Harley Dabbs with burns covering 85 per cent of her body and leaving her with a two per cent chance of survival.

#2

But the resilient little girl defied all odds, bravely undertaking a number of skin grafts and operations at Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio.

#3

Even though the brave youngster was determined to survive, she faced years of taunts from cruel bullies.

Harley, who is now 21, said: "At 14, I started getting depressed I hated the way I looked and wanted to die. I contemplated suicide numerous times. I couldn't stand looking in the mirror at myself."

Luckily, since meeting her boyfriend Joshua, Harley has begun to accept her appearance.

#4

Her change in confidence inspired her to get a tattoo of a phoenix along with the words: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

The tattoo is particularly poignant because the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, representing something beautiful emerging from the flames.

#5

Brave Harley is determined to encourage others to accept themselves for being different.

She's now planning to train as a nurse and motivational speaker to help others who are battling illnesses.