Story of Ruth
In Search of New Hope
Standing in awe before the impressive hospital ship, Ruth and her mother, Fatmata, have come in search of new hope. At 13 years old, Ruth’s life is filled with challenges: her legs bend more with each passing year, making every step increasingly difficult. Mother and daughter do not yet know it, but they are on the threshold of a brand-new chapter.
A Life full of Challenges
Ruth is a gentle, helpful, and caring child. She helps at home, accompanies her mother to the market, and always tries not to cause her any worry.
“My daughter loves me so much. She does not want to see me suffer,” says Fatmata.
But behind this kindness lies a daily struggle: Ruth suffers from Blount’s disease, a growth disorder of the tibia that has progressively deformed her legs.
When she was younger, her mother was told that everything would correct itself over time. Yet the bowing only worsened. In her neighborhood, Ruth was loved—but also watched, and sometimes mocked.
“Some people said I was not a human being,” she recalls quietly.
In Freetown, where she lives, the steep terrain makes daily journeys—especially to school—particularly difficult. Alongside the physical pain comes the emotional burden of feeling different from others.
A Ship named Global Mercy
Fatmata sought help in several hospitals across Sierra Leone, but the treatments offered were either ineffective or too expensive. Despite everything, Ruth held on to her faith. Hope was renewed when a cousin heard about the Global Mercy in the port of Freetown.
Without intervention, the disease would eventually have taken away Ruth’s ability to walk and likely confined her to her home. The long and complex surgery made it possible to straighten her legs. Afterwards, Ruth had to wear casts from the top of her thighs down to her feet.
The recovery was expected to take a few months, but a severe infection prolonged her stay. She had to return to the operating room several times and spent a week in isolation. Fortunately, the Global Mercy is well equipped to handle such complications, and the medical team is trained to support patients through these challenges.
A Future Filled with Possibilities
In total, Ruth spends 16 weeks with her legs in casts. She watches other children return home before her, but she holds on. Every small progress becomes a victory: standing for the first time with straight legs, taking a few steps…
“I was so happy the day I was told I could go home,” she remembers.
Five months after her surgery, Ruth finally returns home. The welcome is an explosion of joy.
“This is the best day for my family,” says her father with emotion.
Today, Ruth can walk, stand for long periods, and most importantly, she can dream again. Her wish is clear: to become a nurse and help other patients like her.
Mercy Ships is inspired by the model of love of Jesus to bring hope and healing to those in need. You can support us and help change lives like Ruth’s by donating.
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