A boy who couldn’t wear shoes until the age of 13 due to a childhood injury that left his feet deformed has had a life-changing surgery.
Courtesy of the floating medical charity that is Mercy Ships, 14-year-old Tera can now wear sneakers for the first time in his life and play football with his friends.
Tera’s foot after life-changing surgery aboard Mercy Ships’ floating hospital – credit Mercy Ships © via SWNS.
From a fishing village near Manakara, Madagascar, Tera’s family was unable to pay for any significant treatment after he accidentally tipped over a pot of boiling water onto his left leg when he was 1.
He suffered third degree burns that fused his leg to his ankle. Even though he recovered without medical intervention, the way his ankle healed limited his movement.
With no means to pay for hospital care, his family had previously sought out three traditional healers, each offering their own remedies, but nothing seemed to work. His mother then learned that the international hospital charity Mercy Ships had docked Africa Mercy in Madagascar.
GNN has reported on several releases from Mercy Ships: of tennis-ball sized tumors being removed, bowlegs being adjusted, and more serious conditions treated all through pro bono surgery.
One young woman even became a nurse having previously been treated on Mercy Ships and left eager to pursue a career in medicine.
When volunteers from Mercy Ships spoke to Tera’s mother about free surgery on board, she wrapped Tera’s baby brother on her back and embarked on a two-day journey with her children to the ship.
Tera received an appointment on African Mercy and underwent surgery to release the burn contracture on June 27th, 2024. He can now wear shoes for the first time since he was an infant.
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“He should have a normal functioning ankle now, which means he will be able wear a normal shoe and play like any other child,” said Dr. Venter, the physician who performed the surgery.
Tera’s foot after life-changing surgery aboard Mercy Ships’ floating hospital – credit Mercy Ships © via SWNS
“Before, I was barefoot in the streets even though it was so hot,” Tera told Mercy Ships’ press team, according to SWNS. “I am happy because my friends do not make fun of me anymore. We all play together now.”
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Due to his injury, Tera could not play his favorite position as a goalkeeper, but since the surgery, not only has Tera been making up for lost games on the pitch, he’s also been able to go fishing with his dad.
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The post Boy Had to Go Barefoot for 13 Years After Childhood Injury–But Can Now Wear Shoes Thanks to Free Surgery appeared first on World Online.
