A Little Boy Named Lucrech

His physical problem was a seemingly uncrossable dividing line, separating him from other children.
You see, three years ago, while reaching for his brother’s toy, Lucrech tripped, plunging his arm into a pot of boiling beans over an open fire.

Without a skin graft to prevent the raw wound from forming inflexible scar tissue, the skin across Lucrech’s palm tightened until each finger was pulled into a permanently bent position. This is called a burn contracture.

 Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon, Dr. Tertius Venter, explains, “To treat an acute burn wound in the First World, we would quickly do a skin graft before a contracture forms. We’d treat it with physical therapy and occupational therapy, and then splint it. But, in many parts of Africa this is just not available. The only way that the body can heal itself and prevent infection is by pulling everything together to close the wound up.”

 

 It often takes more than surgery to heal a contracture. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery. These daily exercises with Nick ensure the dexterity and function of Lucrech’s right hand once the bandages are removed.

 Let the games begin! Lucrech, for the first time, holds a ball with his right hand.

In a few months’ time, Lucrech is going to start school again. The first day can’t come quickly enough! He’s eager to play games with his schoolmates and to finally learn how to write!


(Edited) Story by Grace Antonini, staff writer.