Phan Thi Kim Phuc
Phan Thi Kim Phuc
Phan Thị Kim Phúc is a Vietnamese‑Canadian author, activist, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, born on April 6, 1963, in Trảng Bàng, South Vietnam. As a nine‑year‑old, she was famously captured in the Pulitzer-winning photograph dubbed "Napalm Girl", running naked and severely burned from a South Vietnamese napalm attack during the Vietnam War in 1972. After enduring 17 surgeries and years of healing, she emigrated to Canada in the 1990s and later founded the Kim Phúc Foundation International, dedicated to helping child victims of war with medical and psychological care Eternal Perspective Ministries+4+4+4.
As an author, Kim Phúc co-authored the memoir Fire Road: The Napalm Girl’s Journey Through the Horrors of War to Faith, Forgiveness, and Peace, where she shares her journey from physical trauma to spiritual healing. In her writing, she reflects on war’s aftermath, faith, forgiveness, and her lifelong mission to transform pain into purpose BrainyQuote+2Goodreads+2Goodreads+2. Her powerful testimony invites readers into a narrative of survival, reconciliation, and hope.
Kim Phúc is also known for her profound and heartfelt quotes. One of her best-known reflections states: “Dear friends: faith and forgiveness is much more powerful than napalm could ever be.” Another deeply moving line is: “Having known war I know the value of peace... Having lived under government control I know the value of freedom... Having lived with hatred, terror and corruption I know the value of faith and forgiveness.” She also said: “Sometimes I could not breathe, but God saved my life and gave me faith and hope.” These quotes convey her commitment to peace, spiritual resilience, and the power of forgiveness in healing even the deepest wounds +15BrainyQuote+15Goodreads+15.
Let me know if you’d like more about her foundation’s work, her speeches, or deeper excerpts from Fire Road.