Tonmoy, the Artist

Tonmoy, the Artist
Originally uploaded by interplast

Three years ago, Tonmoy, age 11, excitedly ran into his kitchen, bumped into the stove and boiling water spilled upon him, severely burning 60 percent of his body. The doctors told his parents that his chances of survival were very small. His father used almost of all the family money for his treatment, even taking the child to India. Now, his parents have very little money, but they have a charming and bright young son who has regained his health, although not all of his mobility. “I cannot climb trees,” Tonmoy sadly told us in perfect English. Because of his burn contractures, his arm can only be raised to below his shoulder. Reconstructive surgery could release his scars and allow him to raise his arms above his head once again. We hope we can get him on the schedule this trip, but if the team runs out of time, Tonmoy will still be able to receive free life-changing surgery from Dr. Shafquat Knundkar, Interplast’s Surgical Outreach Director in Bangladesh. By focusing on empowerment programs like teaching and supporting local surgeons, Interplast has created year-round access to reconstructive surgery in Bangladesh and eight other countries. Tonmoy, a talented artist who goes to a special school for gifted children, is shown here showing off the perfect shading on a coloring project; however, Tonmoy’s specialty is painting landscapes and portraits.