Zubaida, a nine-year-old girl from a nomadic family in Farah, Afghanistan, faced unimaginable trauma in August 2001. While trying to light a kerosene burner at home, a sudden flare-up engulfed her in flames, causing life-threatening burns to her face, neck, chest, and arms.
With limited access to medical care in Afghanistan and Iran, local doctors eventually told her father there was nothing more they could do—urging him to take his daughter home to die. But Zubaida clung to life, despite the severity of her injuries and the emotional toll they took.
Desperate for a miracle, her father reached out to the U.S. government in early 2002. American military doctors at a base in Kabul took one look at Zubaida and knew she needed advanced care. They referred her case to the U.S. State Department, and soon, Dr. Peter Grossman—a leading plastic surgeon based in California—stepped in to help.
With the support of the Children’s Burn Foundation, Zubaida was flown to Los Angeles, where she underwent 12 major reconstructive surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center. The results were extraordinary—not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well.
For the first time in her life, Zubaida attended school. She learned English in just a year and quickly made close friends. In March 2003, she celebrated her 11th birthday with her very first American sleepover—an experience that marked just how far she had come from her days of isolation and pain.
Inspired by the medical team that gave her a second chance, Zubaida now dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Her goal is to return to Afghanistan and help children in need, just as she once was.
Though her scars remain, Zubaida’s spirit shines brighter than ever. She has since reunited with her family, who continue to live in poverty. Today, she needs ongoing financial support to continue her education and receive the follow-up care she still requires.
Zubaida’s story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances. It’s a reminder that one act of kindness can ripple across continents—and change a life forever.
