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Girl Who Lost Entire Family In Fire Has One Christmas Wish: Enough Cards To Fill Her Tree

December 9, 2015

A precious little girl in New York with burns over 75 percent of her body has only one wish for Christmas this year: enough Christmas cards to fill her aunt's card tree.

Photo: Liz Dolder

Two years ago, Safyre Terry lost her father and three younger siblings in a fire someone lit in the upstairs stairwell leading to her family's apartment. Safyre was found next to her father, who used his body to shield her from the flames.

In addition to suffering from severe burns, Safyre lost her right hand left foot. She underwent more than 50 surgeries to graft skin over her burns.

Photo: Liz Dolder

Since her mother had signed over custodial rights to the state, Liz Dolder, Safyre's aunt, petitioned the courts to become her guardian.

"Safyre lost everything — her father, her mother, her sister, her brothers, her home, her favorite toy, her favorite outfit — everything that was familiar to her," Dolder told TODAY. "She even lost the one thing we all take for granted — her reflection. But she wakes every morning with a smile on her face. She is the true definition of hope, faith and love."

Dodler told Buzzfeed she bought a tree to hang Christmas cards on this year, and Safyre instantly got excited: "She said 'I can't wait to fill it up' and my response was 'Honey, that's probably not gonna happen. We maybe get 10 cards a year, and the card tree holds 100.'"

After Dolder shared a photo of Safyre next to the tree with her Facebook community, a supporter of the family, Kevin Clark, asked for permission to share the photo, along with an address where people could mail cards and fulfill Safyre's Christmas wish.

The request took off on social media. The cards have already started to come in.

Christmas cards for Safyre can be sent to:

P.O. Box 6126
Schenectady, NY 12306, USA

Dolder added:

"Safyre is a typical 8-year-old — she's just wrapped in a different package. She is the bravest, most courageous little girl you will ever meet. She is funny and witty, sweet and caring, and super strong…She is truly amazing. Once you meet her, she is unforgettable."