Just nine years old when the photo was taken, 50 years later Ms. Phan Thi received her last skin treatment after decades of pain from the intense scars caused by Napalm. In 1972, a South Vietnamese plane accidentally dropped its flaming napalm on South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians, including 9-year-old Kim Credit: AP The photo, taken on June 8, 1972, won the Pulitzer Prize for Associated Press photographer Nick Ut and became a defining image of the war. The effects of her injuries have hit Ms. Phan Thi all her life – restricting her movements and leaving her in constant pain. Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, left, is photographing Kim Phuc receiving laser treatment. Credit: AP Completing one of her last major treatments earlier this week, she spoke to CBS on Tuesday about her trip. “50 years later I am no longer a victim of war, I am no longer the girl of Napalm, I am now a friend, a helper, a grandmother and now I am a survivor seeking peace,” said Phan Thi. , who moved to Canada in the 1990s, told the American television station. Footage from the day of the attack shows Kim Phuc being given water The activist still vividly remembers the bombing, however, saying: “Of course, as children we were allowed to play near the bomb shelter in the temple courtyard. Then, I remember after lunch, the South Vietnamese soldiers shouted for the children. to run. “ “And I look up, I saw the plane and four bombs landing like that,” he said. Kim Phuc is waiting to receive a laser treatment from Dr Jill Waibel at the Miami Institute of Dermatology and Laser. Credit: AP “I still remember what I was thinking at that moment, oh my god, I burned then I will become ugly rather than people will see me differently.” Dr Jill Waibel at the Miami Institute of Dermatology and Laser has been operating on Phan Thi’s scars for many years using a revolutionary new treatment. Kim Phuc in 1996 looking at a photo of herself holding her sleeping son. Credit: AP “The primary laser is a fractional blade laser that evaporates scar tissue,” Dr. Waibel told CBS. “So I always say it’s like boiling water on the stove, it literally steams it, but it’s the tiniest hole the human body has ever seen and the human body can heal it.” Dr. Waibel performed the treatments free of charge. The lasers used in the procedure were developed to smooth out wrinkles around people’s eyes. The treatment creates tiny holes in the skin, which allow the absorption of topical drugs that create collagen deep through the layers of tissue. Do you want a quick and specific update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know …
