In November of 2006, Dami, a 3-year old boy living with his family in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, was horribly burned in an accident at his family’s home. As evening fell, he had asked his uncle to turn on the home’s generator so that he could watch television.

As Dami’s uncle poured fuel into the generator he accidentally spilled some on the ground. He called for his nephew to bring a flashlight for better visibility. Dami rushed to comply, but instead of a flashlight, he brought a kerosene lantern.

As Dami approached his uncle, the lantern’s flame sparked fumes from the fuel, which resulted in a loud explosion. Dami was instantly engulfed in thick, black smoke. Though terrified, he somehow found his way to a neighbor’s when he felt his skin itch. As Dami scratched his face, his skin peeled away under his fingers.

When he finally arrived at the hospital, the extent of Dami’s injuries shocked the doctors who treated him. He suffered deep third-degree burns on his face, neck, arms, hands, legs and head. The doctors there could only provide initial treatment. Without specialized care, he would face a future of pain and disfigurement.

Dami’s mother and father believed much more could be done to help their son, and they were determined to find the medical care he needed. They reached out to the Children’s Burn Foundation.

The Foundation was able to bring Dami and his family to Southern California in September 2007. He is currently being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman. He has already had 11 successful reconstructive surgeries on his hands, legs, and scalp.

In 2008, Dami entered kindergarten. He loves school so much he once asked when the weekend would be over so that he could see his friends again!

Dami’s parents have become active in the burn survivor community. The Foundation has sponsored the families’ participation at several burn survivor events including; the World Burn Congress and Little Heroes Camp, which provide emotional healing and support.

Additional surgeries are planned before Dami and his family can return to Nigeria.