Port Charlotte fire victim recovers after near-death experience

A Port Charlotte woman is making a remarkable recovery after surviving a devastating house fire in November.

Nikki Bostic's family described her as a survivor, sharing that she is doing much better after being hospitalized in critical condition. 

"Those footprints kind of bring the memories back," said Sue Bostic, referring to the soot-stained footprints still marking her driveway from the day of the fire.

Sue recalled the harrowing experience when Nikki was trapped inside her son's home as it went up in flames.

"She literally stopped breathing for nine minutes," said Sue.

Nikki was placed in a medically induced coma after being taken to the hospital in critical condition.

"We didn't even know if Nikki was going to make it from day to day," Sue said. "It was awful, until now it's a miracle."

Nearly a month later, Nikki's family shared that she is improving.

"She should have been on this ECMO machine for three to five months, and she was off of it in a week and a half," said Sue.

Nikki is regaining motor skills and beginning to talk again.

"She's got the trach. She's got a speak box right now. She's learning how to speak," Sue said. "She actually sent me an audio text message and brought tears to my eyes to hear her voice."

"I am getting better every day, and I'm working hard every day to get better faster," Nikki said in the recording.

Sue believes that Nikki's progress is also a result of prayer.

"Just keep the prayers going, because she's doing amazing," Sue said.

Nikki's husband, Roy, continues to travel from Charlotte County to the Bradenton hospital where she is being treated.