Mahsoom, which means “innocent” in Dari, a language spoken in the Farah province in western Afghanistan, was six-years-old when he was tragically disfigured by the explosion of a propane gas burner in his families’ home.

Mahsoom received burns to his neck, chest and face, which were so severe that his lower lip and chin were fused to his chest. The scar tissue was so tight that his mouth could not close, making speaking, eating and drinking a grueling task.

With few resources available to burn survivors in Afghanistan his father turned to the U.S. Army Provincial Reconstruction Team base in Farah. There Army Capt. Jay Berendzen’s sought charities that might be able to help. Coming across the story of Zubaida he contacted Dr. Peter Grossman, who agreed to help Mahsoom.

In December 2006, with transportation provided by Childspring International, Mahsoom arrived in Los Angeles. The Children’s Burn Foundation provided the funds for Mahsoom’s reconstructive surgeries, medical treatment and his boarding during his six months of treatment.

Mahsoom underwent several surgeries while in the U.S., which rebuilt his mouth, lower lip and freed his face and neck from his chest. In June 2007, Mahsoom returned to Afghanistan as a happy and confident little boy.

As Mahsoom grows he continues to require additional surgeries. In September 2008 the Children’s Burn Foundation funded Mahsoom’s additional treatments at the newly built Afghan Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, which has allowed Mahsoom to receive the necessary surgeries while being able to remain with his family.