WESTMORELAND, Jamaica— Nineteen days after returning home from the United States where 13-year-old burn victim Adrianna Laing underwent a series of extensive surgeries, she was back in her native Westmoreland parish on Wednesday for the first time, especially to say thanks to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) for saving her life.

She made her first stop at the Savanna-la-Mar Fire Department where she met with the JFB commissioner Stewart Beckford who travelled from Kingston with his team.

Following her stop in the capital town, she journeyed into Negril to meet with the volunteers at the Paediatric Orthotic Clinic where she was given a shoe built for her prosthetic leg, aimed at preventing her from developing back problems as she grows older.

“I am so thankful for the fire department for helping me and the health centre (Paediatric Orthotic Clinic) for helping me fix my prosthetics,” Adrianna said.

Her father was equally appreciative as he spoke OBSERVER ONLINE.

“We visited the Sav Fire Department and I was so happy for the love and support they showed us today and now we are in Negril. Today is a very emotional day for us. I am just giving God thanks for everybody who came on board to help and assist us,” stated Laing.

Assistant Superintendent Rudolph Seaton, who was happy for the teen’s recovery, said Commissioner Beckford was eager to meet Adrianna.

“Our commissioner Stewart Beckford said he wanted to meet with her to show her some love and reassure her that life goes on,” stated Seaton.

President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce and assistant governor for the Rotary Club Elaine Allen Bradley, said Adrianna will be assessed for further assistance.

“We have to assess her needs, and don’t forget, she is 13. So, as she grows, she is going to need more assistance. We have to help her, not just with schooling but to ensure that her surroundings are comfortable and we have to remember that she is physically challenged. So, whatever we are giving her, we have to ensure that it is suitable for her to live a comfortable life,” said Allen.

The teenager was severely burnt in a house fire that left her three younger brothers, Adrianno, Jayden and Jorden Laing dead, a day before the start of the new academic last September.

The fire department was among the first responders to the fire.

Allen Bradley said Adrianna is “divinely or supremely favoured.”

“I tell you, she is blessed. With 95 per cent burn, I don’t know how she is alive. It is a miracle and I think it is a miracle because she has work to do. I think the divine has saved her life so that she can move forward and excel in whatever she has to do,” stated Allen Bradley.

Allen Bradley also had words of encouragement for the teen: “Adrianna, keep positive and as you see, she looks positive and I think…as long as she has a good solid foundation and has a lot of people behind her, she will flourish.”

– Anthony Lewis