Alecia King reflects on her miracle recovery

Just a few months ago, burn survivor Alecia King said she was at a dark place and was sinking into depression.

But, currently, the teenager has made a full 180-degree turn - embracing her scars and smiling through them. The 19-year-old has moved from being a victim to an inspiration and a TikTok influencer to more than 70,000 followers.

"I have come to the realisation that people don't care about how I look, but they see me as an inspiration. My followers are there waiting for me to turn on my live in the days so they can see me. I can now say I can't wait to see tomorrow and there were days when I wished would die. I am a changed and better person," she said.

King was doused with gasoline and set ablaze as she slept in Redwood, St Catherine, in August 2023. She miraculously survived and received treatment at Shriner's Hospital in Texas. Her ex-boyfriend, Antwone Grey, has been charged for the crime. King said that she used to feel discrimination, rather than sympathy and love, when she posted videos.

"It was hard to get used to the fact that I am not who I was physically and even emotionally. My self-esteem and confidence were really low and I would get triggered easily," King said. But, when the anniversary of the incident neared, King said it was as if God gave her a miracle.

"One day I got up and realised that I could feed myself ... and mi a say 'A wah a gwaan?' I was so surprised and it was like my belly got full. I couldn't even finish the meal," she said.

Shortly after that, King said she began bathing herself without assistance, and started to take steps without using a brace. She said she has also regained some mobility in her arms and legs.

"I was in the shower one day and I forgot my rag on the bed and next thing I know I was stepping out the shower. Normally, I would be placed and taken out of the shower by someone. At that time, I started to wonder if I was lazy or it was God time to show mi that I can do this again. That same day, I went to Linstead without the braces. My stepmother was with mi the entire time and, although she wanted to hold my hand, I asked her to let me go, and even when mi a drop mi just determine to do it and I did," King said.

The teenager said she later relocated to another community with her sister and regained even more of her independence.

"On August 13, I cooked a meal for myself and that was everything to me. God did everything for a reason. Up to this day, my hands can't go certain place on my body and I still need the help of others. I have come a far way," she said.

The soft-spoken but bubbly teenager emphasised that the same app that she was being bullied on has now become a form of therapy.

"I learnt to pay attention to the people who show me love and not those who hate. My platform started growing when I started to believe in myself and I jump from 20,000 followers to over 70,000. I remember the day I send [fellow influencer] Jayden a message request on Tik Tok and he answered. I was really happy because I admired him a lot and he is one of my favourite influencers. I have got support from entertainers such as Valiant, Rebel, Romeich and a host of others. The support has levelled up my confidence. I am not ashamed of my scars anymore - I am embracing them," she said.

King said she will be spending the Christmas holidays with her loved ones as she prepares to undergo another set of surgeries in the USA in February.