Two years ago Dunia Sibomana, his younger brother and a cousin were the victims of a chimpanzee attack.
According to the Associated Press, his brother and cousin died in the assault—they were dismembered—while Dunia, now 8, was left severely disfigured. He is missing his lips and a finger, and his cheek was torn during the attack.
The survivor, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was brought to the U.S. in November, aided by the nonprofit organization Smile Rescue for Kids. Next week, Dunia will receive what AP refers to as a "first-of-its-kind surgery." Doctors at at Stony Brook Children's Hospital will use tissue and muscle from his forearm to re-create both lips.
Dr. Alexander Dagum, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the hospital, told AP that Dunia would have three major surgeries, as well as minor "tweaking surgeries."
The young boy is scheduled to undergo his first eight-hour procedure on Monday.
Read more at the Associated Press.