Goto main content

Qusay, 14: “I don't have to depend on anyone”

Emergency Explosive weapons Rehabilitation
Jordan Syria

Eloquent, determined and mature beyond his 14 years, Qusay is coping with losing both his legs in an air strike in Syria. His progress is an inspiration to everyone he meets.

Qusay standing tall on his new prosthetic legs, Jordan

© Benoit Almeras/Handicap International

Say HI to an extraordinary child. Say hello to Qusay.

Eloquent, determined and mature beyond his 14 years, Qusay is coping with losing both his legs in an air strike in Syria.

“I was sitting outside my home when it happened,” explains Qusay. “The air raid started and it all happened so fast I didn’t have time to realise what was going on. I don’t remember everything clearly. When I came round, I was lying on the floor, two people spotted me, ran over and took me straight to hospital.”

Qusay’s injuries were so serious he had to be transferred to another hospital in northern Jordan, where he was operated on six times and was bedridden for six weeks.

According to Handicap International physiotherapist Salam, a lot has changed since she started doing sessions with Qusay last year, and Qusay confirms it: “I can go to the market again, wash myself, and cope alone. I don’t have to depend on anyone,” he smiles.

“I’ve gone from four legs to two,” he adds, looking at his crutches propped in a corner of the room. “It’s very difficult to learn to walk after a double amputation,” adds Salam.

Help a young amputee like Qusay. Please donate today

Date published: 08/06/16

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

Earthquake in Morocco:  post-emergency physical rehabilitation
© M. Itouhar / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Earthquake in Morocco: post-emergency physical rehabilitation

Present in Morocco since 1993, Humanity & Inclusion is working alongside its partners to provide physical rehabilitation assistance to the survivors of the earthquake that hit the country in September 2023.

“There will be a significant increase in the number of people with disabilities in Gaza”
© S. Sulaiman / HQ
Emergency

“There will be a significant increase in the number of people with disabilities in Gaza”

Humanity & Inclusion physiotherapist Maria Marelli makes regular visit in Rafah to support our team. She tells us about her experience.

Five years after Cyclone Idai, lessons learnt from the disaster
© C. Briade / HI
Emergency Health Inclusion

Five years after Cyclone Idai, lessons learnt from the disaster

In March 2019, Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique, leaving a trail of desolation in its wake. Five years on, lessons have been learnt about the inclusiveness of aid and disaster prevention.

FOLLOW US