At age 14, Tera, from Madagascar, bore the consequences of a burn accident. The lack of proper medical care caused a severe contracture that fused his foot and ankle, preventing him from wearing shoes and, most importantly, from playing soccer.
Rejected on the field, Tera's greatest wish was to be accepted and seen.
His mother, Marie, took him on a two-day journey to the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy® in search of free surgery.
There, the volunteer surgeon, Dr. Tertius Venter, released the 13-year-old contracture in a successful two-hour operation. During his recovery, volunteer nurse Natasha Short became his close friend.
Now, with a functional ankle, Tera can not only play soccer again but has reclaimed his favorite position as goalkeeper.
Free from pain and isolation, the boy who wanted to be seen is now cheered on by his entire community.
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