From Tragedy to Triumph: Burn Survivor Baby Finds Love and a Forever Home
Deyvion was just a tiny infant, peacefully lying in his bassinet, when a devastating fire tore through the Missouri apartment where he slept. Pulled from the flames by heroic firefighters, he miraculously survived—but not without enduring severe burns that left lasting scars on his face.
Against all odds, this resilient little fighter began his long journey of healing at a specialized burn unit, bravely pushing through recovery with no family by his side.
For years, Deyvion faced the world alone—until, at the age of 5, he met Beth Plunkett, a single mother of two who would change his life forever.
“I thought he was a beautiful little boy, and I fell in love with him very quickly,” Beth shared with WGN9 News.
After 2,545 Days Without a Family, Burn Survivor Deyvion Finally Finds His Forever Home—and So Much Love
“I feel like everyone says, ‘Oh, he’s so lucky to have you,’ but honestly… I’m just as lucky to have him,” said Beth Plunkett, the woman who changed Deyvion’s life forever.
After more than 2,500 days without a permanent home, Deyvion—once a baby rescued from a blazing apartment fire—was officially adopted by Beth, a single mom of two who fell in love with him the moment she met him.
“I want him to be, most importantly, just happy,” Beth shared. “I want him to always feel loved, to have dreams and chase them… and I know he will. God definitely has an awesome plan for him.”
But Beth and her children aren’t the only ones who see how special Deyvion is. The firefighters who pulled him from the flames never forgot the night they saved him—and they’ve never stopped cheering him on.
On the day his adoption was finalized, Deputy Chief Eric Smith and his crew from the South Metro Fire Department in Raymore made it a celebration to remember. They surprised Deyvion with his own personalized firefighter jacket and hat, and gave him and Beth a ride in their fire truck to the courthouse.
High-fiving the brave young boy, Smith told him with pride, “You’re extremely special. We don’t always understand why things happen… but now, we do.”
Deyvion’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. After all he’s endured, he now has what every child deserves: a family, a future, and a circle of people who adore him.
This is the kind of story the world needs—one of hope, healing, and unconditional love. Let’s share Deyvion’s story and celebrate the courage of this incredible young soul. He’s not just a survivor—he’s an inspiration.