In November of 2006, Dami, a 4-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 has been able to bring Dami and his family to Southern California, where he is being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman. He has already had several successful reconstructive surgeries on his hands, legs, and scalp, but still needs further treatments and surgeries.

The Children’s Burn Foundation has established Dami’s Fund. Donations will support Dami’s future surgeries, physical therapy and other medical needs. If you would like to donate, click here.