Flesh-eating bacteria survivor giving back with new best friend

ATLANTA - A metro Atlanta woman continues to turn tragedy into triumph after a devastating accident in 2012. 

Aimee Copeland made national headlines for her brave battle with necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria. She suffered a deep cut following an accident on a zipline in the Little Tallapoosa River, and the infection almost killed her. In order to save her life, doctors were forced to amputate Copeland’s left leg, right foot and both of her hands. 

In the months that followed she underwent a number of surgeries and worked hard in physical therapy as well as rehabilitation. She's now considered perfectly healthy and is living life to the fullest. 

Copeland lives in Atlanta and stays busy working as a motivational speaker and disabilities advocate. More recently, she's developed an unlikely friendship with Lil Dyer Cobbs, who opened Atlanta’s first medical spa, Seraphim Skin Care, in 1997.

Despite their 35 year age difference, the two share a powerful bond. Their friendship started last summer when Cobbs reached out to Copeland about Seraphim's annual gala, wanting to support Friends of Disabled Adults & Children (FODAC).

"We just became great friends after that," Copeland, a FODAC board member, said Friday morning.

The two joined us on Good Day Atlanta with a preview of Seraphim's 20th anniversary Angel Gala Saturday evening, where Copeland will serve as the keynote speaker. 

The event will include live music, champagne, wine, beer, barbecue and a 20 percent discount on all Seraphim products. The 4th annual Angel Gala is free, but donations to FODAC will be greatly appreciated. 

Seraphim Skin is located on Miami Circle in Buckhead. Copeland is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. For more information on the event, click here.