Several years ago in Nigeria, Amadi, who is one of 9 children, was injured when a kerosene lamp he was filling exploded. He was burned horribly. His parents were turned away from the hospitals because they did not have cash.
"We don't have any other option. Either we bring money right away or they take me back. My parents just came to take me back," said Amadi.
Amadi's father turned to a medicine man and the results were disastrous. Over the years, the skin his arms pulled into his left arm was fused to his torso. His left hand was useless.
The Moore family in Lincolnshire was on a medical mission in Nigeria when they met Amadi. Their son, Ryan, created a video asking for help.
The video was sent to hospitals across the U. S. For 8 months, there was no response. Then, burn specialists at the Cincinnati Shriner's Hospital offer help.
After months of bureaucratic red tape, work by Aid Africa's Children and an effort by the staff of Senator Barack Obama to speed up Amadi's interview for a medical visa, Amadi is on the road to healing.
"All 3 surgeries were to make a separation, to separate his arm from his torso, and then a skin graft from his back to mend his arm," said Perry Moore.
Amadi has months of physical therapy ahead and then he will return to Shriners Hospital for more surgery on his hand and the rest of his burned skin.
His time with the doctors has given him a goal.
"Maybe to be a good doctor. Take care of, you know, burns. Help other people that's burned like me," said Amadi.
Amadi's surgeries, which coat about $100,000, are being paid for by Shriners Hospital. The Moores and Aid Africa's Children are committed to helping Amadi until he can return to Nigeria healthy.
