Fatmata.

 

With bowed legs that bent more severely every year, even walking the short distance to the local school had been out of the question for Fatmata.

As the only child with an this type of condition in her area, the young girl also struggled with bullying by the other kids her age.

Despite these hardships, Fatmata’s family never lost hope that her future could be brighter. Her Aunt Mariam would return home from her job every night and spend hours teaching Fatmata, making sure that she did not fall behind in her studies.   ​One day Fatmata's family heard about an orthopedic surgery program onboard the Africa Mercy, a visiting hospital ship. Her aunt brought her to the ship for evaluation and soon she was walking up the gangway for her operation. Fatmata’s family was at her side rejoicing when the young girl took her first steps in her casts.  “She is full of curiosity — she wants to know everything there is to know,” her father, Hassane said. “Fatmata has a great destiny ahead of her.”

Now able to walk with ease, Fatmata has returned to school. It’s impossible to imagine Fatmata not going far in life — and while her straighter legs are a piece of that possibility, it’s the love and commitment of her family and support from friends like you that give her the ability to stand tall.