Beauty Beyond the Mirror: 12 Steps to Confidence (1)

About the Author, Andrea Grant Andrea Grant is a burn survivor and advocate for fellow survivors. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. In August 2001, when she was 9, Andrea and her 11 year old brother, Kendell, were caught in a tragic gas explosion in their family home.  At Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, Andrea died. Doctors worked frantically to save her life. She survived! Hours later, she and her brother were  air-lifted to Shriners Hospital in Galveston, Texas. While there, she endured months of pain, numerous surgeries and extensive physical therapy.  Ultimately, they BOTH survived!  With the help of God and her strongmother, Andrea has blossomed into abeautiful young lady with confidence that you would not believe!   In 2012, at 20 years old, Andrea put togethera Christmas giveaway under the name 12Families, One Movement. She reached out to thelocal community and helped 12 less fortunatefamilies by providing clothes, shoes, toys—and most ofall—love, during the holidays.  In January 2014, Andrea started her foundation, Beyond Scars, with the goal of encouraging kids who are also burn survivors. Beyond Scars focuses on self-esteem, confidence and perseverance. Over the years, Beyond Scars has held many events and monthly support groups for local survivors.   In addition to her role as a mentor, Andrea is a motivational speaker who focuses on confidence and self-esteem. She reminds audiences, “Look in the mirror. Find that one thing you love about yourself and build confidence around it.” She has since used that phrase to encourage many.  Andrea also started an apparel line that highlights inspirational tees for burn survivors and others. The profits are put directly back into her organization.  Andrea wants every burn survivor around the world to know that there is life beyond scars... Andrea has overcome many adversities in the 15 years since her tragic accident. She is no longer a burn victim. She is a burn SURVIVOR! By sharing her story, she is making survival attainable for others so that they, too, can live beyond scars…