Story of Lucy
Maxillofacial surgery
Lucy was a ray of sunshine whose cheerful nature brightened every corner of the house. Her kindness was legendary, and her willingness to help knew no bounds. As a diligent and exemplary student, she dreamed of becoming a doctor to care for the sick. What more could one hope for? Yet, at the age of 12, an event occurred that shattered this idyllic picture and dashed all her dreams.
“Lucy loves school. Even when she is not in school, she loves to study.”
According to her mom, Isatu, 14-year-old Lucy spends most of her time learning about science and working toward her dream of becoming a doctor. And when she isn’t studying, she can be found lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed.
“She is a very helpful girl,” shared Lucy’s teacher, Aminata. “If she met you in the stream doing your washing, she would help.”
Her kind heart and helpful disposition are beloved by all around her, making it easy to imagine Lucy thriving in her dream of becoming a doctor. But in recent years, an obstacle threatened her future dreams — and even her life.
Lucy noticed something wrong in 2021 when she began feeling severe pain in one of her teeth. The aching tooth eventually fell out, but the pain remained. Soon, a swelling began that eventually developed into a tumor in her right cheek, likely caused by infection.
“We never went to the hospital. We did not have the money to go,” Isatu shared. “When it began to swell, I got her local herbs, but that did not help.”
Dr. Didier-David Malis, an oral maxillofacial surgeon from Switzerland and Mercy Ships volunteer, described Lucy’s condition as “an aggressive tumor, which could change her appearance… impacting her relationship with others and dysfunction in terms of swallowing and speaking.”
Dr. Malis added that without surgery, the tumor would continue to grow until Lucy could no longer breathe.
Living with a constant fear of what may come is something that no 14-year-old should have to face. But for Lucy, it was just one part of the burden she had been forced to endure. Despite her bright and friendly personality, the pain from the tumor — and the stares that accompanied it — began to weigh on her.
No opportunity for local surgical care
“Lucy is bold, but when the other children started to laugh at her, she became very quiet,” said her mother. “She would get sad when children laughed at her because of the swelling. The teacher had to tell them to stop.”
With no way to afford the surgery required to remove the tumor, her family feared they would remain without hope for healing… but then news arrived that changed Lucy’s future.
Thanks to a partnership, Lucy’s school received assistance from a nonprofit called Educaid. Friends from the group learned of Lucy’s condition and shared about another organization that utilized unique hospital ships to serve children in need.
Lucy and her mother were overjoyed by the news and quickly registered for a prospective surgery. The day they came to the ship, the two arrived early, eagerly awaiting the operation that would change Lucy’s life.
The surgery was extensive — lasting five hours and required a team of four surgeons and scrub nurses — but it was a success!
Soon, Lucy was back in the wards recovering from the operation. Her “bold” spirit reappeared as she made new friends with the other patients on board the ship, playing and dancing with them as they recovered.
“She’s the first person who ever got me up dancing at work because when she wanted you to do something, you did it,” shared Jeri Harper, a pediatric nurse and Mercy Ships volunteer. She became the center of everything that went on in that ward.”
After fully recovering, Lucy left the hospital ship, her body transformed, and her future bright. When she returned home, she was greeted by a cheering crowd. Amazed by her transformation, her uncle couldn’t help but exclaim, “Lucy! Lucy! Is that you?”
“She has changed back to the way she used to be,” one person noted. “She now mixes with people, makes friends, and helps others. She is extending all her good deeds now. She is so wonderful now.”
While she has missed a lot of school, her teacher says she is catching up quickly. And with her newfound confidence, nothing can keep her from pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
“I wasn’t feeling good when I had that thing on my face… I was ashamed,” Lucy shared. “Now, after the surgery, I feel good!”
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