He is set to undergo a rare and complicated surgery at a Long Island hospital that will use tissue and muscle from his forearm to recreate both lips. The hope is that he will once again be able to open and close his mouth, and eat and talk normally. Monday's planned 8-hour procedure will be the first of three major operations for Dunia, who was brought from the Congo in November with the help of the nonprofit foundation Smile Rescue for Kids. The hospital is covering the cost of the surgery and the doctors have all donated their time. .
Since the attack, which killed Dunia's 4-year-old brother and a young cousin, DuniaMhas been the target of bullies and become shy and withdrawn. In his short time in the United States, he has been living with a host family on Long Island, attending elementary school and learning English in addition to his native Swahili. Source: National helm