Burns survivor Harley Dabbs wears her scars with pride by getting phoenix tattoo

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A house fire left Harley Dabbs with 85 percent burns when she was just two
She was bullied because of her scarred skin and battled depression
Now 21, she hopes to inspire others going through 'tough times'

Published: 06:15 EST, 18 November 2015 | Updated: 12:21 EST, 18 November 2015

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A burns survivor who once battled suicidal thoughts has learned to accept her scars and plans to become a motivational speaker.

Harley Dabbs, from North Carolina, US, was two years old when a house fire left her body with 85 per cent burns. Despite her horrific injuries, she defied medics who believed she only had a two per cent chance of survival.

But her badly scarred skin made her a target for bullies and as a teen she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. Now 21, Ms Dabbs has beaten her demons and has had a phoenix tattoo to mark her personal change.

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A burns survivor who once battled suicidal thoughts has learned to accept her scars and plans to become a motivational speaker

To mark her personal change, Ms Dabbs got a tattoo of a phoenix rising from flames with the words: 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made'

Speaking about the difficulties she suffered growing up, Ms Dabbs said: 'At 14 I started getting depressed - I hated the way I looked and wanted to die. I contemplated suicide numerous times. I couldn't stand looking in the mirror at myself.'

For 18 years Ms Dabbs has undergone skin grafts and surgeries at Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, she meets other burn survivors.

'Shriners is my second home,' she said. 'It was like another planet to me. I felt like I was another species and it made me feel okay being there because there were people who looked like I did - I actually felt like I belonged there.'

Harley Dabbs was two years old when a house fire left her body with 85 per cent burns. Despite her horrific injuries, she defied medics who believed she only had a two per cent chance of survival

Ms Dabbs' badly scarred skin made her a target for bullies and as a teen she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts

She added: 'At the time I didn't feel okay with myself, going to school or just out in public was very hard for me.

'I would even wear coats and pants during the summer. I just didn't want to be seen. I couldn't handle the stares and comments people would make.'

But Ms Dabbs was desperately trying to find a way to make her life happier.

'I got tired of feeling the way I did about myself and realised this negative person wasn't me and what happened to me, happened for a reason,' she said.

'God allowed me to live and I believe He allowed this - I'm supposed to help others, burned or not, realise they're beautiful regardless of what society portrays.'

Ms Dabbs also credits her supportive boyfriend, Joshua, for her new positive outlook. She said: 'He makes me feel beautiful on the days I don't think I am'

For 18 years Ms Dabbs has undergone skin grafts and surgeries at Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, she meets other burn survivors

The significance of Ms Dabbs' phoenix tattoo explained

Ancient legend depicts a magical bird, which lives for several hundred years before it dies by bursting into flames.

The mystical bird then rises gloriously from the ashes and flies away to start a new, long life.

The motif has been used to symbolise renewal and resurrection, as well as hope,

The powerful images is still used commonly today in popular culture and folklore.

Ms Dabbs also credits her supportive boyfriend, Joshua, for her new positive outlook.

She said: 'He makes me feel beautiful on the days I don't think I am. And when I can't be strong, he stays strong for the both of us. He's definitely held me up especially on my darkest days.

'Now I'm a warrior, I'm tough. I am who I am because I fought to be this person.

'I went through hell just to come out on top and I will every time.

'I hope my story will help others who battle with their scars or birth.'

To mark her personal change, Ms Dabbs got a tattoo of a phoenix rising from flames with the words: 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'

She said: 'No matter what, they can get through their tough times and that they will be okay.

'I hope to become a nurse and a motivational speaker to help others.'

On supporting others going through hard times Ms Dabbs said: 'No matter what, they can get through their tough times and that they will be okay. I hope to become a nurse and a motivational speaker to help others'