Noticias y testimonios

Abubakarr’s Journey: From a Dream to His First Pair of Shoes For 6-year-old Abubakarr, something as simple as putting on a pair of shoes was an unreachable dream due to a congenital condition. After years of facing mockery and frequent falls, a 90-minute surgery aboard the hospital ship Global Mercy changed his life forever. Discover the inspiring story of this young leader from Sierra Leone who, at last, runs free today wearing his brand-new shoes.

Little Armella was born with a tumor weighing nearly as much as a large grapefruit—a physical and social burden that threatened her future in Madagascar. Discover how the arrival of the hospital ship Africa Mercy® transformed her life, restoring her health and bringing peace to her family in a true Christmas miracle.

The Miraculous Story of Marie Jeanne and Germaine Eighty-year-old Marie Jeanne lost her sight due to cataracts. A year later, her daughter, Germaine, suffered the same affliction, losing her independence. Hope arrived with the opportunity to receive free surgery aboard the Africa Mercy® hospital ship from Mercy Ships. Mother and daughter traveled and were operated on at the same time. Their cataracts were so advanced that they could only perceive movement. The day after the operation, the medical team removed the patches: both their sights were restored. Marie Jeanne has returned to weaving, and Germaine regained her independence and work in the fields. "Our eyes can see, and our hearts are filled with happiness. We no longer live in darkness," declared Marie Jeanne. Discover how you can help at www.nde.ong.

For over five years, Mohamed, a kekeh driver in Freetown, Sierra Leone, suffered acute and relentless pain from a growing inguinal hernia. As the sole provider for his wife and four children, the pain made his workday unbearable. Fearing local complications, he waited for the return of the Mercy Ships hospital vessel. His wait ended with the arrival of the Global Mercy™, where he was scheduled for the first surgery of this year's field service. The successful operation, performed by Dr. John Zwiacher, not only eliminated his physical problem but also restored his dignity and the hope of being able to provide for his family. Thanks to the free surgery, pain will no longer be what drives Mohamed. Discover how to help others like him! Visit nde.org.

When Armane was born with a cleft lip in Madagascar, his mother, Roseline, faced pain, isolation, and community judgment, which considered him "cursed." Without access to surgery, Roseline struggled to feed him and watched him grow with speech difficulties. Despite the rejection, the family never lost hope. The opportunity for 3-year-old Armane arrived through Mercy Ships. His sister, Lea, traveled four days to take him to the hospital ship Africa Mercy® for free cleft lip repair surgery. The surgery was a success, filling his parents with joy. Now, Armane can grow up knowing he is loved. His transformation not only brought hope to his family but surprised his entire village, proving that the cleft lip could indeed be fixed. Help us continue transforming lives like Armane's by visiting www.nde.org.

At age 12, Harimalala's life was interrupted by a sore throat that turned into a massive and life-threatening goiter. For 12 years, this enormous growth confined her to a life of shame and pain in Madagascar, forcing her to leave school and avoid people. Her condition was critical, as the growth seriously hindered breathing and swallowing. For a decade, Harimalala waited for the return of the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy® (Naves de Esperanza). Dr. AJ Collins and his volunteer team performed a complex four-hour operation to remove the 1.35-kilogram goiter. The success of the surgery was a new beginning: "I feel like I have entered a new life," said Harimalala. Free from shame, she now has hope of getting married and starting a family. Partner with Mercy Ships (Naves de Esperanza) to offer hope and healing! Visit nde.org.