Beauty/Fashion News/Trending Parenting

Burn Survivor’s Beautiful Maternity Photos Go Viral

Burn Survivor Shares Maternity Photos, Schools Us All on Confidence

By Joanna McClanahan of Ramblin’ Mama

Andrea Grant of Jacksonville, Fla. was only 9 years old when she and her brother were injured in a gas explosion. Burns cover much of her body, including her abdomen. Because of the significant scarring, she was told she’d never be able to carry a baby past 37 weeks.

Now at 37 weeks and counting, this mom-to-be is defying those odds with grace and beauty. Grant posted some of her maternity photos on Instagram, which went viral just days after posting.

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“I learned to love myself unconditionally, because I am a queen,” reads the caption in her Instagram photo above, which has been liked over 20,000 times.

When Grant hired photographer Terrence Armand to take her maternity photos, she never imagined that the response would be so powerful. “I really didn’t think that was the response that was going to happen, but I’m honored,” she told CBS.

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Instagram comments rave that she is truly an inspiration, some adding that she has made them feel more accepting of their own scars.

One commenter wrote, “This is soooo brave to me. I have hyperpigmented scars and scars from surgeries all over my body from a skin condition I was diagnosed with at 17 years old. I have stretchmarks almost everywhere…and your videos and photos have inspired me to love myself for the things I couldn’t control. Congratulations!”

Another comment says, “You really are a Queen. Your strength inspires me in ways you don’t understand. God bless you and your family.”

Grant has done more than shared her beautiful story and maternity photos with the world; she has reminded us that confidence is what makes us unstoppable. “Once you build up your confidence, nobody else can take it down,” says Grant.

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About the Author

Joanna McClanahan is an Editor at MockMom. She’s also a Contributor at Sammiches & Psych Meds and has been published on Scary Mommy. You can find more from her on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.