Girl, 10, can now stand after receiving free surgery courtesy of Mercy Ships – she gained 14 centimeters

Fudia was born with an orthopedic deformity that worsened over time. Walking became increasingly difficult as her feet turned inward at a 90-degree angle.

In addition to the physical pain, she faced immense emotional distress, often feeling rejected and bullied by the children of her home village because of her condition.

His uncle and guardian, Joseph, points out: “We noticed it from the day he was born; his legs were not normal.”

Fudia’s life became even more difficult when she tragically lost both her parents at the age of seven, two years apart.

Recalling Fudia’s struggles, Joseph says, “She was shunned at school by other children. Even after she changed schools for this reason, the teasing continued.”

Efforts to relieve her condition, such as warm water massages, proved ineffective. Her legs continued to deform, and she felt sad and uncomfortable.

Her uncle, determined to help her, took her to where they sought treatment for Fudia at local hospitals.

“They told us that there were no such specialists in the country ,” Joseph reports.

They were then advised to wait for the return of Mercy Ships an NGO that provides free surgeries and medical training from its hospital ships. Undeterred, Joseph moved his family to Freetown while awaiting the Mercy Ships’ arrival.

Having already seen the effectiveness of Mercy Ships when an elderly relative underwent surgery on board the Africa Mercy ® during a previous mission, Joseph was confident that the humanitarian organization would be able to help Fudia.

Her trust was rewarded in 2023 when the Global Mercy ™, the NGO’s second hospital ship, docked in Freetown after a six-year wait. By then, Fudia’s mother had already died.

“I was very happy when I heard the news ,” Joseph shares. He then rushed to take Fudia to register at the nearest selection center. When she was accepted for the operation, his joy was immense: “ I want her to be well. I want to see her stand up straight on her two legs.”

Dr. Belen Carsi, a volunteer pediatric orthopedic surgeon from Spain, diagnosed Fudia with Blount’s disease, which causes severe leg deformities in young children and adolescents.

He said: “Fudia’s legs were so deformed that she could hardly walk. Her feet were turned inward at 90 degrees. If she hadn’t had the operation, she would have been unable to walk one day.” 

After the successful operation, Joseph expressed his relief: “I was so happy to see her legs straightened after the operation. I am overwhelmed by this transformation for Fudia.”

Fudia’s recovery was emotionally challenging; she required additional care for her wounds, and rehabilitation was delayed. However, she demonstrated resilience throughout her journey to recovery.

Declan Osborne, a volunteer physiotherapist who treated her, confirms: “Fudia is a strong girl. It’s very impressive. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a child stand up at their first rehabilitation appointment after surgery.”

After the procedure, Fudia gained about 14 centimeters in height and continued to tone up every day.

Her aunt Massa, who was taking care of her, witnessed the transformation: “Fudia is no longer the same as before her operation. Her friends made fun of her and she was ashamed at school. But now she always plays with her friends.”

Now able to walk independently and confidently, Fudia looks forward to a hopeful future. “I want to become a doctor so I can help other people ,” she says.