From Zambia to Boston: A Found Farewell to Moses

Today, Moses Masala is an exuberant and confident 21 year old, excitedly applying to universities and looking forward to his future.  JHI has been honored to walk alongside this resilient and courageous young man over the past 6 years. 

At 10 years old, while playing with a friend at a neighbor’s house, Moses poured methylated spirits on a charcoal brazier.  His clothes instantly caught on fire, and he sustained severe burns to about 35 % of his body–including his chest, neck, right ear, right arm and right thigh.  He was rushed to the local hospital in Lusaka, Zambia and spent several weeks in the ICU.  His wounds eventually healed, but they left extensive hypertrophic scars.  

Moses' Journey with JHI

Moses struggled with the emotional challenges of these scars for 5 years until his mother, Annie, learned about JHI and reached out directly to Alex seeking medical help.  Moses was 15 when he first came to JHI, and over the years, he stayed with us while undergoing multiple surgeries at Shriners Hospital in Boston.  

On August 27th, 2025, Moses completed his final surgery.  It went smoothly, and he is healing well.  Beyond the physical transformation, Moses’ most remarkable progress has been in his mental and emotional well-being.  As his scars gradually lessened, his self-confidence skyrocketed. Although mental health remains an ongoing journey, Moses continues to work hard to find the tools and support he needs.

Now, JHI not only celebrates the end of Moses’ surgical journey but also rejoices in his excitement over future plans.  We are deeply proud of the young man he has become and thrilled to share in his joy and hope for what comes next. 

Looking Forward

Moses has just reached an incredible milestone: his 21st birthday! The JHI team was honored to celebrate with him, raising a glass to recognize the hard work and growth that have shaped him into the person he is today. While turning 21 marks the close of both Shriner’s services and his time with JHI, this milestone does not mark the end of his connection with us. Even as he ages out of the program, Moses will always remain a cherished part of the JHI family.