MONTEGO BAY, St James — It was an emotional moment for two young females with a similar story — victims of fire — when they met at Sangster International Airport in St James for the first time on Thursday.

Nineteen-year-old Alecia King journeyed from Kingston to meet 16-year-old Adrianna Laing, who was returning to the island from the United States where she underwent corrective surgeries at Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. King had returned to the island on Friday, February 21 from Shriners Hospital for Children in Texas, where she underwent laser and release surgeries.

To date, Laing has undergone 28 surgeries while King has done 30. They both have several surgeries remaining to be completed.

Having met for the first time, the two burn victims said they are motivated to move on, based on the shared experiences.

“It brings back a lot of memories and it almost made me feel strong,” stated King, who then reached out to Laing for a hug.

“You are so strong. Oh my God!” added King.

Laing said she is inspired by King, who does not hide the injuries she received.

“She kind of inspired me because I don’t like to wear short sleeves but I went on her TikTok and I realised that she wears them with confidence. So, she actually helps me,” stated Laing. The comment left King overwhelmed.

On September 4, 2022, Laing was severely burnt in a massive house fire that gutted the dwelling and claimed the lives of her three brothers. She was airlifted to the United States less than 24 hours after the incident, which was made possible by a number of entities and individuals in a drive spearheaded by Sanmerna Foundation.

Almost a year later, on August 24, 2023, King was severely burnt after being doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend, Antwone Grey.

Both victims cited physiotherapy as the most challenging experience of their journey.

“I did not like physiotherapy at all. When I heard that they were coming to do physical therapy, I pretended like I was sleeping or when they called me I just didn’t wake up. Now, I realise that it is really fun to get back on my feet and start doing things again,” said Adrianna.

This was endorsed by Alecia, who described physiotherapy and occupational therapy as two of the most traumatic aspects of her journey.

“I did not like physiotherapy because, at those times, I could not do anything for myself. I could not eat, I could not walk, I could not do anything, so it was very hard to get up out of the bed everyday and try,” stated Adrianna who noted that it was difficult to bend, pick things up from the ground, or exercise her fingers.

“I always tell myself that I cannot do it, but I have my physiotherapist who tells me that I can do it,” Alecia said.

The meeting of the two burn victims was also significant for Alecia’s mother, Julian Mendez, and Adriana’s father, Adrian Laing.

Laing said he has been following the story of Mendez’s daughter.

“It is a very wonderful story because I have been following up on her daughter’s story from the get-go and it touches me a lot. I know my daughter’s story is not exact, but something similar to each other,” stated Laing, who also noted that he has changed his daughter’s nickname from Pinky to Purpose.

Laing added that while it has been rough, he is happy to know that his daughter has survived the ordeal and that he has someone with whom he can smile, talk, and care for.

He encouraged his daughter and Alecia to continue pushing as he told them that the sky is the limit.

“Not because you have scars; inside, you are beautiful and God loves you, so keep on pushing,” said Laing.

In the meantime, project manager for Sanmerna Foundation Paige Dixon said the foundation, which has already raised US$40,000 to help burn victims, will continue to support the two.