CORNELIUS, NC — Sher Jan’s journey to the U.S. began almost three years ago when he could barely walk the streets of Afghanistan.
On Sunday, the 13-year-old was reunited with Master Gunnery Sgt. Warren Coughlin - a marine, who along with a global charity, helped get him life-saving medical care.
Coughlin was on patrol one day when he first spotted the boy selling roadside snacks to support his family.
“There was this young man down there who had pushed a wheelbarrow and he had badly deformed feet,” Coughlin said.
Coughlin knew he wanted to help.
“One of the things that struck me about him when I was in Afghanistan, was how positive he was,” he said.
Coughlin was able to get the boy on base to see a doctor. Soon after, the nonprofit Solace for Children got involved. The group brings sick and injured kids to the U.S. to get life-saving surgeries.
“I’m happy because I came here and got heart surgery and my foot surgery,” Jan said.
It’s typically a summer program, but Jan’s case was so severe, he’s spent the last year in the Charlotte area receiving medical care to repair a heart defect and his two clubbed feet. He will also receive extensive dental care.
Coughlin flew from New Hampshire to Charlotte Sunday to reunite with Jan before he returns home to Afghanistan later this month.
He said it’s heartwarming to see how well the boy has adjusted to life in America, and a sign of the good that’s come out of the war.
"I think it says a lot about most of the Americans over there. They're just trying to do the best they can to help out,” Coughlin said.
Click here to learn more about Solace for the Children and how to get involved.