Burn Survivor Shares Photo Of Tattoo That Helped Her Rise Above Bullying

I am always inspired by strong women who are able to turn obstacles into assets.

Whether it’s through art or by bravely speaking out, countless ladies have risen up in the face of setbacks. But when I heard Harley Dabbs’ touching story of pain and redemption from 2015, I was absolutely blown away.

At only 21 years old, Harley had been a victim of bullying for almost her entire life. Why? Harley looks a bit different than your average young woman, with a powerful story to match.

As a small child, tragedy struck Harley’s family: Their house caught fire and Harley was badly burned as a result. Though doctors told her family there was a 98 percent chance Harley wouldn’t survive, she’s more than beaten the odds. She’s now living life on her terms.

Scroll through below to see this young woman’s inspiring tale of unbelievable courage and strength.

What do you think of Harley’s response to bullying?

[H/T: Daily Mail/Fox 8]

 Caters News/Harley Dabbs

Harley Dabbs was born a beautiful baby girl to two proud parents, and lived a normal, happy childhood in Eden, North Carolina. But when she was just 3 years old, tragedy struck the Dabbs family.

 Caters News/Harley Dabbs

Their home went up in flames. “My mom was trying to catch up on some laundry and I guess the wires got so hot and they ended up catching on fire,” Harley told Fox 8. Though her parents were outside, Harley was trapped inside the house.

The little girl suffered burns on over 80% of her body, and was told by doctors she only had a 2% chance of survival. But this little girl stunned the medical staff by not only surviving, but thriving.

 Caters News/Harley Dabbs

However, for the past 18 years, Harley’s had to make the pilgrimage to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio to undergo countless skin grafts and surgeries. Nonetheless, she believes in the divine intervention that saved her life. “God allowed me to live,” Harley shares with the Daily Mail.

And luckily, she’s met other burn survivors just like herself. “Shriners is my second home. I felt like I was another species and it made me feel okay being there because there were people who looked like I did I actually felt like I belonged.”