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Update on Ali's Struggle
Aired April 29, 2003 - 15:55 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Now an update on a story that touched all of our hearts. Remember Ali Abbas, the young boy who was badly burned, lost both his arms, his home, many of his relatives in a bombing on Baghdad? Well, as you might imagine, his will to live was not very strong at first. Mark Webster of ITN has an update for us.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARK WEBSTER, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After so much suffering, his gentle smile said it all. Less than two weeks in hospital, and Ali is recovering fast, happily watching "Tom and Jerry" on his mini television. His transformation from the pain-racked boy who left Baghdad is quite remarkable. With the encouragement of his doctors, we visited him in the intensive care unit. They're confident he won't be here much longer.
DR. AHMAD AL-SHAATI, KUWAITI MINISTRY OF HEALTH: I would say he will come out of the burn unit in three weeks' time, but he will be, you know, in Kuwait until we find him really a constructive plan that takes into consideration all aspects of his needs -- including psychological, social and future plan.
WEBSTER: Since Ali is an ardent football fan, we gave him a Manchester United shirt, specially signed by all the players. Pride of place went to his favorite, David Beckham, who wrote, "Ali, God bless." Surprised everyone with his response.
ALI ABBAS: Thank you very much.
WEBSTER: Gifts and good wishes have arrived from all over the world for the lad who has come to symbolize the suffering of so many Iraqis. Doctors say he's left a bit bewildered, but it's all helping him cope.
Physically, it's all looking good.
(on camera): Numerous countries have offered help, either to provide the very latest in artificial limbs, or psychological support, which it seems inevitable Ali will need before facing the harsh realities of Baghdad again. However, after the appalling upheaval this lad has been through in the last few weeks, it may be that all the help he needs can be provided right here.
Mark Webster, ITV News, Kuwait City.
(END VIDEOTAPE) TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired April 29, 2003 - 15:55 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Now an update on a story that touched all of our hearts. Remember Ali Abbas, the young boy who was badly burned, lost both his arms, his home, many of his relatives in a bombing on Baghdad? Well, as you might imagine, his will to live was not very strong at first. Mark Webster of ITN has an update for us.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARK WEBSTER, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After so much suffering, his gentle smile said it all. Less than two weeks in hospital, and Ali is recovering fast, happily watching "Tom and Jerry" on his mini television. His transformation from the pain-racked boy who left Baghdad is quite remarkable. With the encouragement of his doctors, we visited him in the intensive care unit. They're confident he won't be here much longer.
DR. AHMAD AL-SHAATI, KUWAITI MINISTRY OF HEALTH: I would say he will come out of the burn unit in three weeks' time, but he will be, you know, in Kuwait until we find him really a constructive plan that takes into consideration all aspects of his needs -- including psychological, social and future plan.
WEBSTER: Since Ali is an ardent football fan, we gave him a Manchester United shirt, specially signed by all the players. Pride of place went to his favorite, David Beckham, who wrote, "Ali, God bless." Surprised everyone with his response.
ALI ABBAS: Thank you very much.
WEBSTER: Gifts and good wishes have arrived from all over the world for the lad who has come to symbolize the suffering of so many Iraqis. Doctors say he's left a bit bewildered, but it's all helping him cope.
Physically, it's all looking good.
(on camera): Numerous countries have offered help, either to provide the very latest in artificial limbs, or psychological support, which it seems inevitable Ali will need before facing the harsh realities of Baghdad again. However, after the appalling upheaval this lad has been through in the last few weeks, it may be that all the help he needs can be provided right here.
Mark Webster, ITV News, Kuwait City.
(END VIDEOTAPE) TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
