Youssif shows off his "certificate of citizenship," an award given to the Iraqi boy by his school in Los Angeles for being exceptionally nice.
Youssif blossoms
updated: Tue Dec 23 2008 10:28:00
It's been two years since Youssif was doused with gasoline in Iraq. Now the 6-year-old boy is doing fine. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.
Youssif stands on stage beaming as he belts out "Jingle Bell Rock," his tiny burned hands waving in sync with his classmates at Hamlin Street School.
Youssif happily pulls off his plastic face mask and pats his cheeks, which were once covered by horrific burns.
Youssif squats at the edge of the lake at Balboa Park near Los Angeles, tentatively holding out bread for the ducks, his large dark eyes widening in delight and fear as it's snatched from his hands.
When CNN.com users first learned of the story of Youssif, a badly burned Iraqi boy, they immediately responded to help.
CNN's Arwa Damon spends the day with Youssif at a burn camp as he works to heal physically and emotionally.
Burned Iraqi boy Youssif shows no fear as he stares up at the rock-climbing wall. "I can do it fast and then I am going to stand on top."
Few stories have touched CNN.com users like that of 5-year-old Youssif, an Iraqi boy who had gone out to play on a January day when he was suddenly grabbed by masked men, doused in gas and set on fire.
CNN's Arwa Damon follows along on the journey to recovery as an injured Iraqi boy and his family arrive in the U.S.
Youssif, the 5-year-old Iraqi boy who was savagely burned by masked men, arrived in the United States late Tuesday with his family -- the first step toward his lengthy rehabilitation.
After hearing the story of Youssif, CNN readers and viewers around the globe responded with speed and generosity.
A U.S. soldier who served in Iraq was so moved by the story of Youssif he had to do something.
Youssif has been in America less than a week but already has opened up in ways he did not in Iraq. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.
Dressed in a Superman shirt, 5-year-old Youssif held his sister's hand Friday, seemingly unaware that millions of people across the world have been touched by his story. Nearby, his parents talked about the new future and hope they have for their boy -- and the potential for recovery from his severe burns.
A charitable organization is arranging transport and treatment for of an Iraqi boy burned by masked assailants.
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