A Tragic Accident
Zubaida was just nine years old when her life changed forever. Born into a nomadic family from the Farah province of Afghanistan, she lived a simple life with her parents and eight siblings.
In August 2001, while helping her family cook, Zubaida accidentally poured kerosene into a hot stove. The fuel ignited instantly, setting her on fire. She suffered severe burns to her face, neck, chest, and arms.
Her father rushed her to a nearby clinic, where she was given only ointments. As her condition worsened, he made the difficult decision to travel to Iran for further treatment. Zubaida was hospitalized for 20 days, but when doctors saw the extent of her injuries, they advised her father to take her home, to die.
But Zubaida did not die!
A Father’s Determination and a Ray of Hope
In February 2002, desperate to save his daughter, Zubaida’s father, Muhammad, sought help from the American military base in Kabul, encouraged by local shopkeepers.
American doctors examined her and reached out to the U.S. State Department, which in turn contacted Dr. Peter Grossman, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at The Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks, California.
With the support of the Children’s Burn Foundation, a Southern California charity that helps severely burned children with no access to care, arrangements were made for Zubaida to travel to the United States for life-saving treatment.
A Miraculous Transformation
At The Grossman Burn Center, Zubaida underwent twelve major surgeries over the course of one year. Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous.
During her time in California, she attended Round Meadow Elementary School in Calabasas, her first time ever going to school and learned to speak English in just 12 weeks. She also participated in psychotherapy, physical therapy, and made close friendships with her classmates, who welcomed her with open arms.
On March 22, 2003, Zubaida celebrated her 11th birthday with her very first slumber party, a milestone that marked her new beginning.
A Spirit That Inspired the World
Zubaida’s courage, warmth, and determination captured the hearts of everyone who met her. What began as an act of compassion became a global story of hope, healing, and human kindness.
Though she bears scars from her injuries, Zubaida’s spirit shines brighter than ever. She has said that one day she hopes to become a pediatric doctor and help rebuild her country.
A Legacy of Strength and Compassion
Zubaida eventually returned home to Afghanistan, where she was joyfully reunited with her family. Today, she continues to serve as an ambassador for burn survivors and the Grossman Burn Foundation, inspiring others with her message of resilience and gratitude.
Her story is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, compassion can heal, courage can transform, and hope can rebuild lives.