Written on November 24, 2019
When Kechi Okwuchi amazed the judges in the America’s Got Talent auditions, burn survivors all over the world swelled with pride. As she advanced all the way to the finals, Kechi demonstrated again and again that she is proud of who she is: a survivor.
Hoping to share her empowering story, Phoenix Society asked Kechi about her own journey of self-love.
What did she tell us?
“I was in a plane crash when I was 16, which caused 3rd degree burns over 65% of my body. What worried me the most after my accident was the reactions of friends and family. Would they ever be able to see past my scars? Or would they be able to recognize that scars or not, I was the same Kechi they knew and loved?
I will never forget the first time I saw my old high school friends after the plane crash. After a few minutes of catching up and telling jokes, one of them suddenly exclaimed, “She’s still the same old, silly Kechi!” and the relief and happiness in his voice was palpable.
That memory signifies one of the most meaningful moments of my life as a burn survivor because I realized something important: "The real Kechi shines through her scarred exterior every day, and she is strong and beautiful."”
— Kechi Okwuchi, Phoenix World Burn Congress Attendee