On January 15, 2007, 5-year old Youssif was playing outside of his family’s home in Iraq, when two masked men drove up, doused him with gasoline and set him on fire. Youssif spent two months in an Iraqi hospital as a result of the severe burns that covered his face. But there was little doctors there could do.

Before the attack, Youssif was an energetic and outgoing child who loved preschool and longed to be a doctor. Understandably, in the months following the attack he became withdrawn and sad, both emotionally and physically.

The Children’s Burn Foundation learned of Youssif’s story through news coverage aired in late August on CNN. The Foundation immediately came forward to help, arranging all of Youssif’s medical care, transportation and housing in the U.S., and providing for all of the family’s needs including English classes for his father. Nearly 14,000 people worldwide have sent donations, prayers and well wishes.

Youssif, traveling on a plane for the first time, arrived in Los Angeles with his parents and baby sister on September 11. His arrival in the United States was the first step in a long recovery process. Since coming to Los Angeles, he has undergone more than a dozen reconstructive surgeries with Dr. Peter Grossman, co-medical director of the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital.

Tissue expanders, balloons inflated with saline solution to expand healthy skin, were inserted into Youssif’s right cheek and underneath his chin. The expanded skin was used to replace much of the massive scar tissue on his face. Youssif must now wear a face mask for many months to help his skin heal. It is difficult for Youssif, but he is a true survivor, facing each new challenge with courage.

Youssif has responded well to his surgeries. His transformation since arriving in September has been amazing. He has begun to smile and laugh again. For 10 months following the incident, he was unable to smile and had enormous difficulty speaking and eating, because of the thick scar tissue that had formed restricting the movement around his mouth.

Along with the healing of his physical injuries, signs of his emotional recovery are also apparent. He enjoys the numerous social activities that the Foundation has organized. Youssif visited the Los Angeles Zoo, attended a Clippers game, participated in holiday activities and enjoyed himself at a family camp for burn survivors.

In January, one year to the day after Youssif was so savagely attacked in Baghdad, he began kindergarten. Youssif’s father described the anniversary as a “very hard day”, but this was also a milestone marked by a miracle; his family was overjoyed at his being able to start school.
As he once did in Iraq before that January day, Youssif looks forward to school and playing with his friends. Each day brings a transformation in Youssif – both physically and in spirit – that is nothing short of remarkable.

Youssif’s family has been overwhelmed by the Foundation’s friendship and support, as well as the generosity of people from around the world. They are especially grateful for the emotional and physical transformations that they have seen in Youssif.

The Children’s Burn Foundation has established Youssif’s Fund to provide treatment and other essential services for Youssif as well as for other children who suffer from severe burns. If you would like to donate, click here.