Flesh-eating victim receives heartfelt homecoming

SNELVILLE, Ga. (NBC) -- Aimee Copeland, the Georgia grad student who contracted a flesh eating bacteria, is on the road to recovery and is back in Snellville Georgia, the town where she grew up.

The young woman's life has dramatically changed but she's managed to meet all her challenges head on and with a smile.

"I thank you all, personally, for coming,” said Copeland.

It's the first time friends, neighbors and loved ones have been able to see and touch Aimee since a rare flesh eating bacteria ravaged her body.

What could've taken her life has dramatically changed it. After enduring multiple amputations, the 24-year-old has spent almost sixth months recovering and rehabilitating her body. She described the first time she was able to pull herself upright.

"I didn't even have a prosthetic yet, I just had a test socket that they brought and it was just the most incredible feeling. I don't think I can top that,” she said.

During those long months in the hospital, what did she miss the most?

“Oh, going to the beach in the summertime, I missed the whole season,” she said.

Aimee’s rehab will continue at her parent’s home, which underwent major renovations to make it more accessible.

Friday’s homecoming capped off a busy week for Aimee.

On Tuesday, she walked on to the national stage, giving her first public interview on the Katie show with Katie Couric.

"Nobody in her situation would be happy and she’s proud, she's happy this has happened to her and because of that that makes me feel that, no matter what ever happens to me in life, I can be happy about it too,” said Heather Gibbo Ragsdale.