DaShae Whitney

I am DaShae. I was in an accident at the age of 3. I mistakenly turned on hot water in my bathtub and fell in it. I received 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 80% of my body. I spent 45 days in The Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, CA. I was given a 50/50 chance to survive but God!

Since my release from the hospital in April of 1999, I have undergone over 25 surgeries that I can remember. I have learned after each of them to be thankful for my life, for my story, for my family and for who God is in my life.

My Burns are Beautiful is all I remember my parents telling me. I have been teased and bullied. I have defended myself more times and more ways than I care to mention. I have survived a lot to thrive today and poetically pen encouraging words at the age of 20 in my new book, "My Burns are Beautiful!"

In my life I have been selected to ring the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell on December 1, 2005. I have written for my high school publication MISHMASH. I love to travel. I love animals and I volunteer often at the local animal shelter.

I am truly Blessed beyond measure and while my journey has been a little rough, I would not have it any other way.

Today, I have a Ministry that has developed through my personal experiences and my desire to give back to other survivors of traumatic accidents. My goal is to enlighten and brighten them and their families that they are Beautiful and have survived their ordeal for a reason.

The poems in my book are not my testimony. They are reminders to me. God assures me, I am beautiful. I am loved. I am a survivor. I am His child. Moreover, I am thankful to be able to encourage someone else.

I pray that everyone who purchases my book, jewelry or t shirts will become a stronger a person and able to reach back to bless someone else with the strength of their story and mine!