A young girl from Africa named Fudia underwent life-changing surgery to correct her bow-legged condition, resulting in a significant increase in her height—five-and-a-half inches (14 cm). Born with a progressive orthopedic issue that caused her legs to turn inward at a severe angle, Fudia faced immense challenges in walking, which led to considerable pain and difficulty in her daily life. Local hospitals in Sierra Leone were unable to provide the necessary treatment, but her uncle Joseph recognized a glimmer of hope through Mercy Ships, an international charity that offers surgical care aboard hospital ships.
Joseph took the initiative to relocate with Fudia to Freetown, where they could seek assistance from Mercy Ships when it next docked. After a six-year wait, Fudia was finally seen by medical professionals in 2023 and diagnosed with Blount’s disease, a condition that leads to severe leg deformities. British volunteer surgeon Rachel Buckingham performed a four-hour surgery in January that successfully straightened Fudia’s legs, allowing her to walk with newfound confidence. Joseph recalled the moment of realization about Fudia’s condition, noting the social isolation and mockery she faced from peers due to her physical appearance.
The recovery process for Fudia was not without its difficulties; she encountered unexpected delays and required additional wound care. Nevertheless, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and is now able to stand tall and walk freely. Dr. Buckingham expressed her admiration for Fudia’s courage throughout this journey, emphasizing how painful it was for the young girl before the surgery. The success of the operation has transformed Fudia’s physical capabilities as well as uplifted her spirit, enabling her to engage more fully in life.
Fudia’s aunt Massa shared how the surgery has positively impacted the girl’s social interactions and self-esteem. No longer ashamed to attend school, Fudia now enjoys playing with friends and has even developed aspirations of becoming a doctor herself, inspired by the care she received from the Mercy Ships team.