Deyvion was only a baby, sleeping in a bassinet, when a devastating fire tore through the apartment where he lived. Firefighters managed to pull him from the flames just in time, but he was left with severe burns across his face. His survival alone was nothing short of a miracle.
The resilient little boy from Missouri began a long and painful recovery in a specialized burn unit, fighting his way back to health step by step. Throughout those early years, he faced his battles without a permanent family by his side.
It wasn’t until he was five years old that Deyvion’s life finally changed. He became the foster child of Beth Plunkett, a single mother already raising two children. From the moment she met him, Beth felt an instant connection.
“I thought he was a beautiful little boy, and I fell in love with him very quickly,” Beth shared in an interview with WGN9 News.
After spending 2,545 days without a family to call his own, Deyvion was officially adopted by Beth—a moment that marked the end of a long chapter of waiting and the beginning of a new life filled with belonging.
“I know people often say, ‘He’s so lucky to have you,’” Beth said. “But I feel just as lucky to have him.”
Beth’s greatest wish for her son is simple but powerful. “I want him to be happy. I want him to always feel loved, to dream big, set goals, and achieve amazing things. I truly believe God has an incredible plan for him.”
Deyvion’s circle of love extends beyond his new family. The firefighters who rescued him never forgot the night they saved his life. Deputy Chief Eric Smith of the South Metro Fire Department in Raymore and his crew continued to follow his journey.
On the day Deyvion’s adoption was finalized, Smith and his team surprised him with a custom firefighter jacket and hat. They even gave Deyvion and his mom a ride to the courthouse in their fire truck to make the moment unforgettable.
Smith high-fived the young boy and told him how proud he was, saying, “He’s extremely special. We don’t always understand why things happen—but now we do.”
Today, Deyvion is surrounded by love—from his mother, his siblings, and the heroes who once carried him from the flames. He is a brave, joyful little boy who deserves every bit of happiness life can offer.
This is the kind of story the world needs more of—one of love, resilience, and hope. Let’s share Deyvion’s story and remind ourselves how powerful compassion truly is.