Grossman Burn Center Providing Free Care to African Orphanage Worker

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. - Next week surgeons at the Grossman Burn Center (“GBC”) will begin treating Faith Wanjugo, a mother of three who suffered debilitating burn injuries to her arms and face while working as a volunteer cook at an AIDS orphanage in Kenya. Faith is expected to arrive in Los Angeles on December 23 and will remain in the United States on a medical visa for approximately one year, during which time she will likely undergo multiple surgeries, and rigorous physical and emotional rehabilitation.

The Grossman Burn Foundation, GBC’s philanthropic arm, is coordinating her travel and accommodations.

Lead surgeon and GBC President Dr. Peter H. Grossman commented, “While we will not be able to prescribe a course of treatment until we have the opportunity to examine her in person, Faith’s wounds are significant and I anticipate that multiple surgeries will be required to restore her functionally and cosmetically. We’re going to do everything we can to give this extraordinary woman her life back.”

In addition to arranging a host family for Faith, the Grossman Burn Foundation has lined up volunteer drivers to transport her to and from medical appointments, and has set up a Webcam so she can communicate daily with her 12 year old daughter and her twin 5 year old girls.

Dr. Grossman stated, “At the Grossman Burn Center we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish for burn victims from all over the world who could not otherwise get the medical care they need. Our charitable treatment of patients from places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Kenya, has really put what we do every day in valuable context. We are in the business of helping people and restoring lives. To be able to bring that level of care to deserving people from disadvantaged parts of the world is truly gratifying.”

Founded in 1969 by Dr. A. Richard Grossman and now under the direction of Dr. Peter Grossman, the GBC are plastic surgery-based Centers of Medical Excellence specializing in the comprehensive treatment of burns – from acute care and reconstruction, to rehabilitation and psychological counseling.

for Grossman Burn Center
Ryan Knoll, 213-880-4597