Against All Odds: William - From Lost Boy to Determined Man

From KPNX, the Gannett-owned NBC affiliate in Phoenix...

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At the age of 6, William Akoi Mawwin survived an attack on his village in war-torn Sudan, but he was captured and forced into slavery. After years of abuse, he escaped, but had to live on the streets, sleeping on rooftops and eating out of garbage cans. Later, a horrible accident took his hands, but not William's spirit.

Sunday on 12 News at 10 p.m., Lin Sue Cooney shares William's story. You'll see the reunion between William and the brother he hasn't seen two decades, plus, learn how this Lost Boy from Sudan is rebuilding his life here in the Valley, and how he hopes to change the world.

During the 1980's, Muslim militia, from Northern Sudan, attacked the villages of the Christian Dinka tribes. Some 30-thousand boys, between the ages of 4 and 10 were forced to flee, barefoot, from their homes, walking for months at a time, seeking safety.

Others, like William, were captured and auctioned off as slaves. Babies and toddlers were killed. Most of the girls were raped, killed, or forced into slavery.

It's estimated that only one out of three boys survived the journey to finally arrive at refugee camps In 2001, The United States took in nearly 4,000 of these orphans. Arizona is home to the largest number of these refugees, nearly 500.

Phoenix is the only place in the country with a Lost Boys Center. The AZ Lost Boys Center is a nonprofit support facility, which provides a home base for the Lost Boys to gather, not only to socialize, but to get help with education, employment, and health issues.

More than 70% of the Lost Boys are enrolled in colleges or universities and many also have full-time jobs. William, who wants to be a film director, is a student at Scottsdale Community College and he has a full-time job, working for Ace Parking at Sky Harbor Airport.

William is also co-directing "It Takes a Village", a documentary feature of his life, with Ed Ashhurst, of Journeyman Pictures, an Arizona-based production company. William hopes the film will raise awareness and money to help build hospitals and schools in Sudan.

Willam, whose motto is "never give up", is trying to raise money to replace his prosthetic arm. After five years of continuous use, it's wearing out. His doctor says he needs a complete replacement of the hand, wrist, glove, socket, battery and charger so he can continue to be a productive working member of our society.

The total cost is $15,564.86. William's insurance will only cover $6,463.54. If you can help, call (602) 751-6705. If you have questions, call Hamilton Prosthetic Center at (602) 395-3354.