This Christmas, an 8-year-old arson survivor is only asking for people to send her cards

Safyre has one wish this holiday season — to receive Christmas cards from all over the world.

In May 2013, someone set fire to the stairwell leading to her family's apartment, and Safyre's father, David Terry, and three siblings — Layah, 3, Michael, 2, and Donovan, 11 months — were all killed. Safyre, now 8 years old, survived because her father wrapped his arms around her, preventing her from breathing in hot air. She sustained burns on more than 75 percent of her body, and lost her left foot and right hand. Safyre stayed in the hospital for nine months, and went through more than 50 surgeries. She now lives with her aunt, Liz Dolder, who told Today Parents her niece is "the bravest, most courageous little girl you will ever meet. She is funny and witty, sweet and caring, and super strong."

Dolder recently brought home a Christmas card holder, and after Safyre said she wanted to see it filled with correspondence, Dolder told friends, and the word began to spread. Already, cards have come in from Florida, New Hampshire, and California, as well as emails from Italy, Sweden, and the UK. "When she opens these cards, the twinkle in her eye and the sparkle in her smile are priceless," Dolder said. Cards can be sent to: Safyre, P.O. Box 6126, Schenectady, New York, 12306.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up