KANSAS CITY, Missouri, May 16, 2008 (NBC) -- A little boy living in a poor village in Africa just completed a race against a tumor, and time.

His name is Boi, and oddly enough, the horrible tumor everyone sees right away, he doesn't seem to notice.

He loves kids and any toy with wheels. He is playful and very polite, but Boi's dad knows that unless something is done, and soon, the tumor will claim this bright little boy's life.

"Boi, he is not afraid, he plays with the kids. His life really hasn't changed. But for the parents who carry the burden, for them, it's been difficult," said Boi's father, Zina Dounbia, with the help of an interpreter.

Their burden began three years ago when Boi was four. His parents noticed a lump on his face.

"They thought a bug had bitten him on the cheek," said the father's interpreter.

What they thought was a bite turned out to be a benign, slow growing tumor, mostly made of bone.

Boi's parents spent all their money in a desperate search but couldn't find anyone to treat it.

"They were convinced there would never be a way to help him," the interpreter explained.

The tumor just kept growing, doubling in size, consuming his teeth, and dislocating his jaw.

Boi was within weeks of losing his ability to eat or breathe.

"There was heartbreak, there were tears," said Zina.

Just when it seemed hope was lost, Boi's parents heard about Kansas City medical volunteers working in a nearby village.

Dr. Tammy Neblock and Abigail Hayo saw Boi and were stunned.

"We had the same reaction. You look at him and fall in love with him and we said we have to help him," said Dr. Neblock.

In a few short weeks Boi was out of Africa and in the middle of a team of doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital.

They examined Boi from all angles, took dozens of pictures and poured over CT scans.

"This bone has expanded up into his eye-socket," Dr. David Kreit explained while reviewing Boi's CT scans.

The KU team agreed to operate, but it wasn't going to be easy.

"This is about as hard as it gets," Dr. Kreit said.

The morning of surgery Boi longed to return home.

With tears flowing down his huge cheek he told his dad, Zina, he would rather keep the tumor than have a needle stuck in his arm.

"He's scared right now. This is an environment he's not used to," said Zina.

It took a team of seven doctors and dozens of nurses to successfully operate on one tiny boy.

"This is a little scary," said Anesthesiologist Ron Torline.

Torline had to make sure the giant tumor that has nearly grown over Boi's throat didn't block his airway.

"That could be a real problem needing some emergency measures so we are staying right next to him while sedating him," said Torline.

After anesthesia, Dr. Chris Larson removed the tumor.

"It's twice as big as a softball, if that gives you any idea," said Larson.

"A specially made model shows not only were to make our cuts to remove the tumor but also then how to put things back together," said Dr.
Girod.

In the operating room the tedious process began. Doctors and nurses constantly monitored Boi's breathing and blood counts through every step.

Finally, seven hours into the operation, the tumor was gone.

Then, the hardest part began as Boi's dad anxiously waited for news.

Fourteen hours into the surgery everyone was exhausted, but excited.

Boi's dad managed to call the village back home to let them know the tumor was out.

The village in Mali broke out in dance from the promising news.

The team worked through the night taking bone from Boi's head and leg to re-create his nose, eye-socket and cheek.

Twenty-three hours after the operation began, it ended, and Boi was off to ICU for recovery.

Boi's dad stood wide-eyed, silent and overwhelmed as he watched his son.

The doctors were exhausted but triumphant.

"I feel relief. It was a difficult operation but we knew it would be," said Dr. Girod.

After ten days Boi was back on his feet blowing kisses as he left the hospital.

Today, Boi is having a ball as he begins life without the tumor.

His dad can't wait for everyone back home to see the amazing transformation and let them know about the love he and his son received in Kansas City.

"He's very happy. There's no way he can express his gratitude and thanks," said the father's interpreter.

The story does not end here. It's just the beginning, really.

The beginning of a bond between a unique little boy and the village of friends he has inspired thousands of miles from home, in Kansas City.

Medical Missions Foundation, the First Hand Foundation and the Rotary Club raised the money to pay all of Boi's hospital bills.

The doctors donated their time, as did the company that made the models to help in the surgery.

Boi is still recovering, but the doctors believe the skin will continue to tighten up around his mouth and cheek.

There is talk the team may travel to Mali within the next year to do follow up reconstructive surgery.