Digital Legacy Archive · 1988 – June 14, 2025
Dr. Qusay Salih
Hussein Al-Mamari
Ph.D. · MSSW · Scholar · Humanitarian · Author
Surviving a suicide bombing in Iraq at 17 that took his sight, Dr. Qusay rebuilt his life through education, advocacy, and service — earning three degrees from UT Austin, serving on the board of Doctors Without Borders USA, and publishing his memoir weeks before his passing.
Explore the archive — select a chapter:
Dr. Hussein addressing graduates at the University of Texas at Austin
His story
Mosul → Amman → Austin → Legacy
Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari was born in Abujuna, a village outside Mosul in northern Iraq. In August 2006, at age 17, a suicide bombing stole his sight and left him with severe facial injuries requiring more than 70 reconstructive surgeries over many years. He received treatment at Doctors Without Borders' reconstructive surgery hospital in Amman, Jordan — where he also served as a patient counselor for fellow survivors. In 2012, he resettled in Austin, Texas. He learned English and enrolled in school, earning the second-highest GED score in his region. By May 2025, he had earned three degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, culminating in a Ph.D. in social work. He passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 36 years old. His story is not primarily one of tragedy. It is a story of transformation — from a boy playing volleyball in Mosul, to a doctor whose name now graces an award given every year to the graduate who best embodies his spirit.
His memoir · Published 2025
Can You Open My Eyes?
Qusay Hussein was just seventeen years old when a car bomber changed his life and he lost his vision. That was the beginning of a journey from Iraq, to Jordan, and across the world to the United States. That one moment caused Qusay to leave Iraq and his family, and start a solo adventure in a new country learning English. Despite incredible challenges and physical trauma that resulted in more than 70 reconstructive surgeries, Qusay shares his story with unforgettable positivity, strength, humor, and courage. He makes life in Iraq and the United States come alive for us — and we see new things through his eyes. Get the Book — Amazon Barnes & NobleHis lasting impact
A Legacy That Continues
Dr. Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari left institutions changed, awards established in his name, and a generation of scholars and humanitarian workers transformed by his example.
The Story of Qusay — In His Own Words & Images
Before the degrees, before the boards, before the memoir — there was a boy in Mosul who loved volleyball, his family, and the mountains he could see from his village. Explore the illustrated story of his life. Explore His Story →
Digital Legacy Archive · 1988 – June 14, 2025
Dr. Qusay Salih
Hussein Al-Mamari
Ph.D. · MSSW · Scholar · Humanitarian · Author
Surviving a suicide bombing in Iraq at 17 that took his sight, Dr. Qusay rebuilt his life through education, advocacy, and service — earning three degrees from UT Austin, serving on the board of Doctors Without Borders USA, and publishing his memoir weeks before his passing.
Explore the archive — select a chapter:His story
From Mosul to Austin
Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari was born near Mosul, Iraq. At 17, a suicide bombing left him blind and severely injured, leading to more than 70 reconstructive surgeries. While receiving treatment at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Amman, Jordan, he also served as a counselor to other patients. After resettling in Austin in 2012, he learned English, earned the second-highest GED score in his region, and went on to complete three degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, including a Ph.D. in social work. Qusay passed away on June 14, 2025, at age 36. His story is not only one of survival, but of transformation—from a young man in Mosul to a scholar, advocate, and mentor whose legacy continues through others.
Qusay poses in the stadium for graduation day
His lasting impact
A Legacy That Continues
Dr. Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari left institutions changed, awards established in his name, and a generation of scholars and humanitarian workers transformed by his example.
Posthumously honored by UT Austin for exceptional achievement in career, community, and service to the university.
Read the UT tributeEstablished by the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and awarded annually to the graduate who best demonstrates resilience, strength of character, and compassion.
Read the announcementThe first former Doctors Without Borders patient to serve on the MSF USA board of directors—a historic milestone in the organization’s governance.
Read the MSF tributeHis memoir preserves his voice for every person who will ever need reminding that rebuilding is possible, and that service is the highest form of resilience.
Get the memoir
His memoir · Published 2025