Smyrna Acid Attack Victim Readies For 12th Surgery

SMYRNA, TN -- A Smyrna man burnt with acid by an unknown attacker inside home in April will have his 12th surgery Thursday, his pastor told NewsChannel 5.

Christopher Phiouthong, 27, was assaulted in his home with "extremely corrosive acid" April 5. Smyrna Police continue to search for his attacker. Phiouthong has burns over 60 percent of his body. There was concern he would be blinded permanently, but his pastor, Salvation Army Associate Corps Officer Lt. Alyssa Irvin, told WTVF that Phiouthong, who serves as a youth leader at his church, can see shadows and outlines of objects.

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Irvin told the station Phiouthong has undergone multiple skin grafts.

After the attack, a GoFundMe page was launched to help pay his hospital bills. According to the fundraising page, Phiouthong's parents are missionaries in Thailand and he is without health insurance.

"The battle for Christopher has just begun. He has a very long and difficult road ahead of him. While he has the help of his family and community, it will not be enough to support him through this grueling journey," the page reads.

The effort has raised more than $82,000.

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Photo via GoFundMe