Diacko

 

Childhood should be a time filled with laughter and playing with friends. But as Diacko’s legs began to bow terribly outwards, every step became painful.

Diacko was about 3 years old when his weakened legs began to bend unnaturally due to malnutrition. As he grew older, Diacko struggled to walk, every step causing pain and shame. Eventually, he quit venturing far from his home for fear of being mocked. Even his friends would tease him, calling him, "Diacko, the bowlegged boy!"  His mother, Youma, knew surgery could heal her child, but the medical care Diacko needed was not available in their village. She feared her son would live in pain forever.  “We didn’t have money,” Youma said. “So, I stayed home, waiting for something to arrive from God.”

One day, Youma saw a television advertisement about Mercy Ships and knew she would do everything she could to get her son to the ship. For the first time in years, they had hope that Diacko might find healing. They traveled 300 miles to reach the Africa Mercy.  Once on board, thanks to the support of faithful friends like you, Diacko received free surgery to finally heal his legs.     And his healing didn’t end with physical ailments. While on board, Diacko met other children who suffered from similar conditions and for the first time in his life, he realized he was not alone.

Now, Diacko is ready to step into his future!