Kim BrattainFounder/ CEO, Kim Brattain Media · Award-winning Corporate and Documentary Film Producer

TheBostonChannel.com : Badibanga

23 May 2011 · 2 min

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The news segment reports on 9‑year‑old Youssef Badabinga, a boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo who suffered severe burns after running into an electrical plant during a game. His injuries left his face melted, an arm lost, and caused social isolation. With assistance from a North Carolina church group and the translation help of Ann Crane, Youssef traveled to Boston for life‑saving reconstructive surgery at Shriners Children’s Hospital. The segment describes his fascination with electronics, the challenges he faced adapting to life in America, the surgical care he received, and the ongoing need for future procedures to improve his eyelids and mouth. It highlights the compassionate support network and the hopeful outlook for his continued recovery.

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A little boy scarred in an electrical accident is improving tonight thanks to life-saving surgeries here in Boston.
NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross tells us he traveled here all the way from the heart of Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Youssef Badabinga is like a lot of boys. He loves cars, bikes, and electronics.
He was from the beginning fascinated with electronic gadgets. And we found quickly that we had to hide our remote control devices. He catches on to things very quickly. He's very smart.
Ann Crane speaks his native language and helped the boy and his father ease the transition from Africa to America. The 9-year-old had life-changing surgery at Shriners Children's Hospital. 3 years ago, at his home in the Congo, Youssef was severely burned after running into an electrical plant during a game.
His friend was killed. He lost an arm and his face actually kind of melted off.
This was only months ago before surgery. With the help of a North Carolina church group, the boy came to Massachusetts for a major operation paid for by the Shriners.
His playmates called him a monster and he was shunned. He had a difficult time eating and drinking.
As he gets older, it will probably get a bit tighter again and he will Need further work to improve his eyelid and his mouth.
In a few weeks, Yusef will get a prosthetic arm. His future very changed from the boy who was so badly burned just 3 years ago. At Shriners Hospital, I'm Pam Cross.