While some kids wish for ponies and the latest interactive gaming systems, one special girl is just looking for a way to fill up her Christmas card holder this holiday season. An eight-year old girl who survived a house fire back in May 2013, is hoping to receive Christmas card gifts filled with words of encouragement and seasonal greetings. Let's make it happen Santa!
Safyre Terry suffered burns from over 75 percent of her body after someone set fire to the upstairs stairwell leading to her family's apartment. Thanks to her dad, David, protecting her in his arms, Safyre was ultimately able to make it out alive.
Unfortunately, not everyone could resist breathing in the hot fumes and the ferocious flames. The fire killed Safyre's father and younger siblings: three-year-old Layah, two-year-old Michael, and 11-month-old Donovan.
The intensity of Safyre's burns led to the loss of her left foot and right hand. She was also required to stay in the hospital for nine months, where she had to undergo more than 50 surgeries to graft skin over her burns. The brave arson victim currently lives with her aunt, Liz Dodler, after her mom signed over custodial rights to the state.
"Safyre lost everything – her father, her mother, her sister, her brothers, her home, her favorite toy, her favorite outfit – everything that was familiar to her,” Dodler told Today Parents. "She even lost the one thing we all take for granted – her reflection. But she wakes every morning with a smile on her face. She is the true definition of hope, faith and love."
Dodler often posts Safyre's health updates to her community Facebook page, Safyre Schenectady's Super Survivor. When Safyre saw the Christmas tree cardholder her aunt bought from a thrift store, she was determined to fill it up with as many holiday cards as she could.
On Tuesday (Dec. 3), Dodler shared a picture of Safyre standing the next to the cardholder tree holding her first Christmas card. A supported named Kevin Clark re-posted the image the following day to help generate more attention about filling the carholder tree.
I wonder how many of my friends would take the time to write and send Safyre a Merry Christmas card that she can hang on her card tree....Safyre P.O. Box 6126Schenectady NY 12306
Posted by Kevin Clark on Friday, December 4, 2015
His re-post has already generated over 11,000 likes, 1.6 million comments, and 24,000 shares. In a matter of days, Safyre's received fourteen cards throughout the country alone, from places like Florida, New Hampshire, and California.
"She's even had a few emailed from Italy, Sweden, Russia and the United Kingdom," Dodler told Today Parents. "When she opens these cards, the twinkle in her eye and the sparkle in her smile are priceless."
If you're thinking of sending Safyre a special gift this year, address the mail to: Safyre, P.O. Box 6126, Schenectady, New York, 12306.
The family has also started a YouCaring fundraising page to help with expenses. They've raised $10,000 of the $15,000 needed to fully cover her medical bills and a special van to transport Safyre to her ongoing medical treatments and surgeries.
