Reader comments
Burn victim beams with hope

There should be a law that when we help people like this that We get to keep them. America will fix him, because America can, No other reason, we just can.

The Shiners are Wonderful People and do Great Work. They are building a New Hospital in Honolulu because the old one was to old and small. They do work with people from the Pacific Rim that would blow your mind. However we are not going to get the Circus here because a few years ago HPD Shot and killed on e of Ringling Bro. Elephants.

I donate to them. Smile Train and Special O.

We cannot save them all but we can save this one and perhaps his Brother. Good for us and the Romanian Government for letting us the U.S. take the Shot at doing that.

This is what America and Americans at their very best do. This is Hands on and In Your Face.

I bet he learns English real quick and real well. Usually kids in a year or two if they try can Speak, it Read it, and Write it. Maybe not get all of it, but they will get more then the drift.

Thanks for this heart wrenching and touching story. It sure helps us all to put "life" into perspective.

What a blessing to have you two and your families in his life.

What a wonderful kid, indeed! Nine years old and an attitude like that? He will go a long way in life.

The best of luck to you Marius in your upcoming surgeries. Our prayers are that you will be watched over and protected through the surgeries and your recovery.

Sending love through the internet!!!!!

Take Good Care!!!!!

There should NOT be a law. The whole point is that this is being done because the two BYU students CHOSE to do it. Being forced would cheapen it.

How wonderful this little guy can get the help he needs! Kudos to the two girls that orchestrated it. What a wonderful example!!!!

Great story & good luck to the young boy!

To Dave, Kristin, Jessica, Jacob, my little Mckay and darling Elena and the rest of your wonderful family (whose names I cannot remember at this moment at work, but I do know them)my heart and prayers are with all of you as you assist this wonderful boy. We've always loved your family and remember in detail the acts of service given to us. It is no surprise that Jessica and your family are helping in this way. You are all amazing and loved. I'm anxious to follow his story. What a miracle. Sister Forsyth

Being the mother to a son who survived horrible burns and is flourishing we will keep you in our prayers as we do all burn victims. Being burned is terrible and I am grateful that he is doing so well.

Thanks for the story. This kid is a real hero.

Thanks for the article. What a miraculous boy, and two families. And NO, there should be no such law, Mr. Young. It's arrogance at it's worst.

What a great story! Best of luck to you Marius! And I tip my hat to those wonderful BYU students for CHOOSING to bring you here and are now your big sisters and your best friends.

Wow! This little boy is tougher than most of us can ever dream of being. What a great example of courage, strength, and charity (on the part of Jess, Ashley, and all of the team). I hope all goes well for Marius. I hope we will continue to get updates.

Good Luck and God Bless!!

What a powerful story, and what an amazing little boy. Thank you to everyone involved in this.

Good luck little dude, keep on the good fight.

He's a survivor - not a victim.

What an amazing story...helps put my petty hatred of BYU in its place. My hat is off to the students who arranged this and to those involved, this is good Christian living at its finest.

Good luck to Marius, keep up the good fight and don't lose that positive attitude. Thank you for the inspirational pick-me up for a dreary Monday!

First of all, I really want to give credit for the kindness and maturity of these two young women. How wonderful that they were able to look beyond the skin and see the soul through Marius eyes.

Second, I hope that people don't forget the kind acts of his brother, I don't know how old the brother is, but he had to bury his parents and watch his brother suffer and also make a "living".

Third, Marius, you are an amazing kid, and that shows with your humor, we have a choice when tragedy strikes us, we can laugh or cry. You will do well in life, because you see the glass half full. One of my favorite movies growing up, was Pollyanna, and it was on TV the other night, I am going to go record it, but she taught negative people to find the good things in life.

Also, I am impressed for the medical facilities that have committed nine years to this boys care, that is wonderful. Good luck to all.

How I wish that all of those rich folk who get plastic surgery to get rid of the 'laugh lines'that they have would instead spend their money on projects like this!! To me this is the REAL America at work!!

Just wanted to wish the best of luck to Maruis! Know that you girls and your families that have made this happen have a long list of supporters (especially those of us past "BYU girls") Kudos to you and you are in all of our thoughts and prayers!

From all of us at Team Marius, thank you Utah for being so supportive and understanding! We are thrilled with the comments and responses and support and love these comments reflect! We are so blessed to have Marius and Ionut in our lives. Thanks to Mike Terry for the outstanding slide show! If you haven't seen it, it's a must! Thanks to Jens for such a poignant piece!