This is Laresa Roberts from Grottos, VA. She was burned when she was eight years old. Laresa's father was attempting to light a fire and instructed his children to go in the house. Laresa was curious to see what her father was doing and remained outside, but her father did not know that she was still present. Her father filled a cup with kerosene and threw it on the fire, it combusted and lit the cup on fire that he held in in his hand. He threw the cup behind him and directly onto Laresa. Her face and upper body caught fire. 

Laresa was airlifted to Johns Hopkins and hospitalized there for six months. While recovering in the hospital, she contracted pneumonia and treated with an antibiotic through a vein in leg. The vein blew and caused her to loose two toes. As part of her recovery process, she received skin grafts from her own body. Laresa was also treated at Shriners from ten to sixteen years old. This is where she got the tissue expanded on her face and arm. She also received laser surgery at thirteen years old in attempts to thin and soften the scar tissue, but her skin did not respond well to the treatment. She currently does not have any surgical procedures scheduled at this time, but she is considering a cosmetic procedure for her nose. 

Laresa explained that she was homeschooled from 4th-7th grade because the kids were cruel when she tried to return to school after her accident. She went back to public school in the 7th grade, which was a difficult adjustment. She explained that she stayed to herself until she found a group of friends who accepted her and she could trust. In her high school years, she became more comfortable sharing her story and showing her scars. 

There are still days that are difficult and when your self-esteem is effected, but during the emotionally low times, she leans on her faith. Laresa explains that prayer helps pull her out of negative thoughts. 

*A personal note: I met Laresa when we were around twelve years old at Mid Atlantic Burn Camp. I was instantly drawn to how beautiful and confident she was. She was always someone I looked up to. We had the opportunity to be exchange campers in England when we were thirteen. I consider her one of my best friends and couldn't have completed this project without her being part of it.