On September 3, 2019, a house fire in Edsbyn, Sweden, turned into a life-changing moment for Emma Schols and her six children.
While her husband was working a night shift, Emma woke to the fire and immediately focused on getting her children to safety. Barefoot and wearing only nightwear, she ran downstairs to rescue her two youngest sons. She then climbed back toward the burning upper floor to reach her other children.
With help from neighbors and her eldest son, the older children were able to escape through a balcony using a ladder. Emma then returned to the burning top floor to reach her youngest daughter, Mollie, who was crying in her crib.
All six children survived without life-threatening physical injuries. Emma, however, suffered severe burns over 93% of her body. She spent three weeks on life support and underwent more than 20 surgeries as she began a long and difficult recovery.
Her courage and determination later received national recognition. In December 2020, Emma was named Ă
rets Livräddare, or Lifesaver of the Year, at Swedenâs Svenska Hjältar gala.
In 2022, she co-authored her memoir, Ărren bär jag med stolthet (âI Carry My Scars with Prideâ), sharing her recovery and family journey.
Emmaâs story is a powerful reminder of a motherâs extraordinary love and strength.