Story of Vanya
Vanya is a little girl like any other. With one exception: her bowed legs caught everyone’s eye.
Orthopaedic programme
While other children play and run, Vanya sits on the sidelines. When they shout and laugh, she remains silent.
Her heart yearns for these games, laughs and fun times. But her legs deprive her of all this.
Her parents had long ago given up hope of seeing Vanya healed. They simply could not afford any treatment. Her fate seemed sealed, and her future bleak.
Fortunately, this is not the end of the story! A new chapter began with the arrival of the Africa Mercy in Madagascar.
On board our hospital ship, our surgeons have operated on her legs, our nurses took great care of her and our physiotherapists have accompanied her throughout the long process of rehabilitation.
And all for free!
Previously, the first thing people saw in Vanya was her crooked legs. The first thing they see now is her smile. A beautiful smile that reflects the transformation she went through!
Discover more patient stories
Story of Charity
With a tumour that had grown larger than her own head, Charity no longer dared to leave her home. Today, she encourages other patients to believe in the possibility of healing. Discover the inspiring journey of this Ghanaian woman and how Mercy Ships transformed her life.
Story of Fenitra, Rolland and Rody
For years, Haja’s family was known for this reason: the bowed legs of three of his children. Will there be an end to this pain, both physical and emotional?
Story of Ruth
Ruth was born with Blount’s disease, a condition that causes the legs to progressively bend inward. Would Mercy Ships be her last hope?
