Noticias y testimonios

Annica, a 9-year-old, basketball-loving dreamer in Madagascar, suffered severe burns at age 2. Lack of proper treatment, including a traditional healer, resulted in a contracture that fused her arms, limiting her movement and leading to the cruel nickname 'Annica without an armpit'. Her parents, lacking resources, considered taking out a loan. Hope arrived with the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy®, where Dr. Venter performed complex reconstructive surgery and a skin graft. After six weeks of rehabilitation, Annica gained total freedom in her arms. She can now dress herself, play basketball, and write on her school's blackboard, ready for a limitless future.

The faith of Marie Elisa, 45, in Madagascar, was tested when a simple toothache turned into an orange-sized tumor in her jaw. Unable to farm, her family lost income and her daughter left school. Desperate and without funds for surgery, hope arrived in a "divine" way: the Mercy Ships team changed their route due to a cyclone and found her by chance. After examination, Marie Elisa and her husband Claude (who had an eye problem) were scheduled for free surgeries aboard the Africa Mercy®. The complex surgery removed the tumor, restoring her ability to eat and work. Marie Elisa and Claude returned home healthy, with unwavering faith and a renewed future for their family.

In 2024, the hospital ships Global Mercy and Africa Mercy solidified their role as beacons of hope in Sierra Leone and Madagascar, thanks to over 1,700 international volunteers. The year's balance is immensely positive: the lives of more than 3,200 patients were transformed with free surgeries. Furthermore, local health systems were strengthened by training 949 professionals with over 159,000 hours of instruction across six African nations. We look with gratitude towards 2025, where we will continue the mission. Your support makes this transformation of lives and nations possible!

Alex, 23, in Sierra Leone, developed a life-threatening facial tumor on his jaw. After a failed surgery, the tumor returned aggressively, causing him isolation, mockery, and difficulty eating. His mother and brother, Ebenezer, searched tirelessly for help. Hope became reality when Mercy Ships returned to Sierra Leone. Alex was approved for surgery aboard the Global Mercy. Surgeon Dr. Dhillon performed the first stage of a complex operation to remove the tumor. Seeing his face without it filled him with joy. His community now celebrates him, and Alex is ready for a second reconstruction surgery, facing a future free of stigma and pain.

Fudia, 10, an orphan in Sierra Leone, grew up with severely bowed legs due to Blount’s disease. Her condition caused her mockery, isolation, and difficulty walking, with her feet turned 90 degrees. For six years, her uncle Joseph cared for her, waiting for the return of Mercy Ships, as local hospitals could not help her. Hope arrived with the hospital ship Global Mercy™. Dr. Belén Carsi performed a complex four-hour surgery on both legs. Fudia, who presented one of the most severe orthopedic cases, gained 14 cm in height and recovered her self-esteem. Now, free from shame, Fudia can walk without problems and dreams of becoming a doctor.

Emmanuel, age 3, was diagnosed with lymphangioma, a rare lymphatic system disorder that caused a large tumor on his face. After being turned away from local hospitals in Sierra Leone, his parents, Manteneh and Yirah, saw Mercy Ships as their last hope. The condition not only caused physical problems and social isolation but forced his parents to stop working. Emmanuel was scheduled for maxillofacial surgery aboard the Global Mercy™ hospital ship. Following a successful intervention, the tumor was removed. The community celebrated his return, saying they had "just given birth" to a new Emmanuel. The now-healthy boy leads the play while his parents resume their future with great joy.