Michigan girl who burned 49 percent of her body while attempting ‘fire challenge’ warns others: ‘Don’t do it’
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ/CNN) — A Michigan teen is speaking out after she burned 49 percent of her body while attempting a disturbing online challenge.
Miyah Landers, 13, was hospitalized last August with severe burns to her entire back and limbs. The teen said she and her friends participated in the so-called “fire challenge” after seeing it on YouTube.
The challenge involves people dousing themselves in rubbing alcohol, lighting themselves on fire, and then jumping into a tub or shower to extinguish the blaze.
“Don’t do it because it’s not worth it,” Landers said. “It’s just not worth it.”
While attempting the dare, Landers’ body became engulfed in flames and her mother had to put out the fire.
“I was scared. I was terrified that I was about to lose my daughter,” said Landers’ mom, Brandi Sholar. “It was so much fire and all she was doing was crying.”
Landers said she spent two months bed-bound and wrapped in bandages at a hospital. The experience changed her life.
Now, the 13-year-old wants to advocate for other burn survivors and is in process of putting together care packages.
“I feel obligated to,” Landers said. “I’ve been through it, so I feel like I need to help.”
Photo Credit: kmov.com