In memory of Dr. Qusay Hussein — a life that refused limits.

In memory of a life that refused limits.

Dr. Qusay Hussein in maroon University of Texas doctoral regalia and tasseled cap, raising both hands in the Hook 'em Horns sign, smiling.

What He Built After

Milestones of a Life Well Lived

  • Surgical tools representing the 70+ reconstructive surgeries Qusay endured 2006 – 2012 Survival & Recovery Survived a bombing at 17 that took his sight; endured 70+ reconstructive surgeries
  • Texas State Capitol in Austin, symbolizing his resettlement in Texas 2012 Arrived in Austin Resettled as a refugee; learned English; earned his GED; began his education
  • Qusay at his UT Austin graduation 2012 – 2025 Graduate Degrees Earned dual bachelor's degrees, a master's (MSSW '22), and a Ph.D. (Ph.D. '25)
  • Qusay during recovery and later in doctoral regalia 2023 Doctors Without Borders USA Board First former Doctors Without Borders patient to serve on the U.S. board
  • Book cover: Can You Open My Eyes? 2025 Memoir Published Published "Can You Open My Eyes?" — his autobiography, released earlier in 2025
  • Dr. Qusay Hussein named 2025 Outstanding Young Texas Ex 2025 Outstanding Young Texas Ex Posthumously recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Young Texas Ex by UT Austin

Each milestone represents a chapter in his extraordinary journey.

Explore the archive — select a chapter:
August 3, 2006 Surviving the Impossible At 17, Qusay was playing volleyball with friends in Mosul, Iraq, when a suicide bomber struck. The explosion took his sight and left him with severe facial injuries. Rather than letting that moment define his ceiling, he spent the next two decades proving it was only the beginning.
  • Bombing occurred in Mosul, northern Iraq — August 2006
  • Lost his sight and suffered severe facial injuries
  • More than 70 reconstructive surgeries over many years
  • Received treatment at MSF reconstructive surgery hospital in Amman, Jordan
  • Served as a patient counselor for fellow survivors while recovering

His Life in Austin

Qusay in cap and gown at his Austin Community College graduation in 2018.
Qusay in graduation regalia at the University of Texas at Austin.
Qusay speaking at a University of Texas at Austin graduation ceremony.
Dr. Qusay Hussein in doctoral regalia at his PhD graduation, University of Texas at Austin.
Qusay standing beside a sign expressing love for Austin, Texas.
The cover of his memoir, Can You Open My Eyes?

Austin Community College, 2018