Latoyia Cowell isn't afraid of much in life.

Over the past two decades, the Elizabeth City woman has undergone 420 operations to heal the massive burns she suffered in a house fire at age 5.

Brett A. Clark/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Latoyia Cowell and her son Ahmad, 8, stand in front of the new 2008 Honda Fit that former television talk show host Montel Williams gave her as a gift for appearing in one of the last installments of his long-running program 'The Montel Williams Show.'

Cowell also has had the courage to speak in front of hundreds of people, including a nationally syndicated television audience, about her ordeal and how it makes her relish every minute of life.

But there is one fear the 29-year-old hasn't been able to put behind her: a fear of driving.

"When I get behind the wheel, I get panicky and nervous," Cowell says. "It's a scary feeling in my gut that I cannot shake."

Montel Williams, host of the former talk show, "The Montel Williams Show," wants to change that.

Williams, who had Cowell on his show two times previously, recently had her on again, this time during his last week on the air for a segment he called his "most inspirational guests." To show his admiration for Cowell, Williams gave her a 2008 Honda Fit car and paid for driving lessons at Smallwood Driving School in Ahoskie.

"I was very surprised," Cowell said. "I'm very happy. It's always something I wanted to accomplish. I'm glad he helped me push it along."

Cowell first appeared on "The Montel Williams Show" when was 16. After her appearance, the show's producers received numerous phone calls, letters and e-mails asking for an update on how she was doing. So she was invited back in 2004.

The fact that Cowell was alive to appear on a TV program is nothing short of miraculous.

On Jan. 12, 1984, William T. Riddick set a fire in the Oak Grove neighborhood home he shared with Cowell's mother, Ruth Cowell, and her brother and sisters.

According to law enforcement officials, Riddick had taken out $5,000 life insurance policies on each of his girlfriend's four children, including 5-year-old Latoyia Cowell. The fire was his effort to collect on those policies.

The last thing Cowell says she remembers before waking up in the Shriners Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, was trying to run out of the house and having Riddick throw her back into the flames.

"I remember waking up, smelling smoke, and running and bumping into his legs," she said. "I just remember him grabbing my right arm."

Cowell survived the fire, but barely. She suffered third-degree burns over 85 percent of her body. Her face literally burned off.

Two of her other siblings survived the fire. Her brother, Don, suffered first-degree burns to his face. Another sister escaped uninjured.

Their 4-year-old sister, Lateyia, wasn't as fortunate. She died in the fire.

Cowell says she often thinks about her sister.

"I always wonder what she would look like, what she would be doing now," she said. "Would she be living near me?"

Riddick later would be convicted and sentenced to two life terms.

Today, Cowell gives regular talks about her ordeal to school children and community groups. She recently spoke before 300 people in Norfolk, Va., at a women's health convention.

"I just try to inspire people to keep on living even though something tragic happens to them," she said. "A lot of people want to give up."

Cowell said people, particularly children, will stare at her scars. But the looks don't bother her, she said.

"I get used to it, because naturally you are going to do a double-take when you see something different," Cowell said. "I'm human. If I see something that looks different, naturally I'll look at it a second time."

She said most people assume she's afraid to talk about what happened to her. Some indicate surprise that she even leaves her home.

"A lot of people think I should be hiding, or afraid to go out in public, and do things like everyone else," Cowell said. "I enjoy things like everyone else."

Her one impediment to leading a regular life has been her fear of driving, she says. For years, she's had to catch rides with friends and family members. But not anymore. Now that she has her own car and will soon be learning to drive, she will be able to transport herself places.

Over the past 24 years, Cowell said she's had her ups and downs.

"It's been hard times and good times," Cowell said. "Everything is not always easy. Luckily, I have a good family. ... (And) people have been really supportive."

Today, Cowell has an 8-year-old son, Ahmad, who is the love of her life.

"I enjoy watching him grow up, and hope nothing like (the fire) ever happens to him," she said. "I can't imagine ever doing anything to harm him. There is not enough money in the world" for me to do something like that.

Cowell said she hopes to continue telling her story, conveying to her audiences the importance of love and cherishing every moment of life.

"(Life) can be gone in two seconds," she said. "People walk around like nothing can happen to them. Anything can happen to you. I (also) teach kids not be judgmental."

Cowell said she's also growing more accustomed to talking in front of large crowds.

"Sometimes I'm nervous at first, but I'm glad I got a chance to get my story out," she said. "I'm glad Montel allowed me to bring a face to situations like mine going on across the world."