Sai'douba and Alason

There is such strength and need in sub-Saharan Africa — a reality epitomized by friends Sai’douba and Alason. Sai’douba was horribly burned in an explosion at the garage where he worked. He couldn’t get the medical care that he needed and as his skin healed, it pulled his legs into a permanently bent position, disabling him. Sai’douba’s injuries made him depend entirely on his friend Alason to get around. "Whatever I want to do, Alason is the one that helps me, because I can't do anything by myself," Sai'douba said.

For eight months, Alason served as Sai'douba's support and legs, caring for his friend and carrying him wherever they went. "When I carry him, he's a little bit heavy, but no one will help him if I don't help him," Alason said. "Sometimes my muscles get sore, but I have to care for him. Whenever I look at what happened to him, I want to cry inside my heart." Sai'douba's injuries kept him in pain, but his inability to work caused him a lot of frustration. "Before this accident, I worked a lot, and made little money." Sai'douba said. "I would take that money home for my mom to buy food. I know my parents don't have enough money."

One day, Sai'douba heard about a hospital ship providing free surgeries to those in need. Alason carried Sai'douba to the ship — a journey that took two days — knowing that it was his one chance at finding healing.

When they arrived, Sai'douba met with the volunteer medical staff, who noted the severity of his burn contractures and scheduled him to receive surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. The two-day walk carrying his friend was worth every step. After a four-hour surgery that helped straighten both of his legs, Sai'douba was on his way to recovery. "When I saw him coming out of surgery, I could see his legs were straight," Alason said. "I now have hope he can walk again. He'll be able to do everything for himself."  Sai’douba began his rehabilitation, and with much determination, he was soon walking on his own for the first time since the accident.

"I'm so happy, after such a long time I'm walking again! So many people are encouraging me," Sai'douba said. "I feel confident now. After a few months, I'll be able to do everything I used to do. I can work again!"