Her story of triumph has pulled her into the national spotlight, with many inspired by her ability to overcome, all while wearing a smile. So even the bad parts of my life, they’ve been conquered with so much overwhelming love, and that’s what I focus on now.”įocusing on the good has served her well in life, drawing nothing but positivity her way.

It’s been extremely difficult, challenging, and dark at times, but it’s gotten me to where I am today, and I have a positive outlook on life. “I wouldn’t change anything about the road I’ve taken. “There was a span of time where I could say I felt like I missed out on being a kid, and I just had to go into survival mode, but as you age, things become clearer and your priorities kind of change,” she explained.

She explained that even though her story started with the tragedy of losing her grandpa, it was a sacrifice he made out of love. But being wrapped in the love and support of her friends and family was the light she needed to get through the dark days. So, you know balancing burn survivor life with just normal 12-year-old school life, it was a challenge that’s for sure.”įacing life’s biggest challenges with her head held high didn’t always come easy to Llywellyn, especially at such a young age. “The most that I got when I was in school still was every six weeks, I was having surgeries. Llywellyn, now 30 years old, says she’s had 110 surgeries since then. To save her life, she had to have a myriad of surgeries done.

While at the hospital, her grandpa unfortunately passed away, breaking her heart into pieces.įighting for survival, Llywellyn was later flown to Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she would stay for another five months. Shortly after, the two were taken to a burn center at the University of Virginia for treatment. She credits her grandpa with saving her life, stating that he didn’t waste time going back inside the home to rescue her when he realized she didn’t make it out. When I was in the hospital, it was like being in a little bubble, and I didn’t have to worry too much about the outside world.” I couldn’t do anything else except be there in the hospital, living day-to-day just getting through the pain of every day. I couldn’t, ya know, focus on anything else. “Twelve is kind of when everything is just starting.

Burn dark in you