In one of Madagascar’s largest rice-producing regions, 9-year-old Annica dreams big. She loves basketball and thrives in subjects like Mathematics, Geography, and French, and she hopes to become a teacher one day. At home, she’s the life of the party, playing lively games with her five siblings, “We run after each other,” she said.

Annica’s bubbly spirit always brought a glow to the family, making the consequences of a childhood accident more challenging to bear. This accident left severe burn contractures on Annica’s arms – robbing her of the independence and confidence many children her age naturally develop.

Everyday activities – like running or playing basketball, writing on the board, or raising her hands in class – became sources of frustration. Her teacher Charles shared how this affected her: “She was a bit reserved among her friends and it created an inferiority complex. She didn’t have the courage to do anything.”

Her peers even gave her the cruel nickname, ‘Annica without armpit.’ Annica carried a burden caused by an unforeseen accident – one that her mother dreaded recounting.

A Childhood Changed by Tragedy

Annica’s accident happened in the most unexpected of places – a street-side restaurant owned by her mother’s aunt. At nearly 2 years old, Annica was exploring the space as adults made and sold food.

“She ended up sitting on the pot’s lid – it was a big cooking pot,” recalled her mother, Felicia, “The lid slid, and she fell into the pot.”

Annica suffered significant second-degree burns on her arms. “I cried every morning when Ilooked at her,” Felicia shared. “I thought my child would not survive this.”

The journey to recovery was fraught with challenges. Initial treatment by a community nurse was interrupted when the nurse was unexpectedly transferred out of town. Following a recommendation, Annica’s parents took her to a traditional healer, but this decision only worsened her condition. “Taking Annica to the traditional healer made Annica’s wounds infected by microbes – they put saliva on it,” said Felicia.

They then travelled to the district capital where a missionary nurse treated Annica for eight months. By the time she finally healed from her injury, Annica was 3 years old. In the absence of timely treatment, Annica’s skin formed contractures from her chest wall onto her arms, and she couldn’t lift her hands beyond her shoulders.

As Annica grew, she relied on her mother to perform simple daily tasks, such as combing her hair, putting on a dress, or fetching water. As she approached her 10 th birthday, her parents grew increasingly anxious about her future and even contemplated taking out a loan to pay for surgery.

“Because we couldn’t afford it, we thought about asking for financial support from people,” said Tojoniaina, Annica’s father.

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared; a neighbor who’d received free surgery aboard a Mercy Ships hospital ship shared their story.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The Africa Mercy® returned to Madagascar in 2024, and Annica boarded the hospital ship for free reconstructive surgery.

Annica’s surgery was complex – surgeons performed skin grafts to restore mobility in her arms and ensure the burn contracture doesn’t recur.

“With her initial injury, the burn areas got infected and some of the skin died…we had to bring some new skin from other parts of her body to cover what she’d lost,” explained Dr. Venter, South African reconstructive surgeon. “So, she has enough skin not to be pulled back into the old deformity again.”

For six weeks after her surgery, Annica’s arms were in splints, and she wore pressure garments to aid in remodeling her scars. She continued with rehabilitation, working with American physical therapist, Kaylee Earll.

“She was very determined to do everything herself, so she wouldn’t take any help from her grandma,” said Kaylee, witnessing Annica already embracing her newfound independence. “When you can’t really run because your arms are stuck to your side, and then suddenly you can, you feel free.”

Before leaving the hospital, word came from home that Annica had passed the final school examinations taken a few months before her surgery. This meant that she could attend her final year of primary school and begin secondary school the following year.

A Limitless Future

Annica’s arrival home and transformation were celebrated over a family dinner. “She combs her hair, and she is able take off her clothes… now, she can play basketball!” her grandmother said.

Annica’s father marveled at the newness brought forth by the life-changing surgery. “I thought she was never going to be able to do those things,” he said. “I’m very happy because I feel like she’s never gotten burned.”

Annica is well-aware of her capabilities as she prepares for the next school year. “I am happy because I can reach high,” said Annica. “I want to write on the top of the board and clean the top of the board.”

Annica’s newly found independence is the milestone of a bright future for the 9-year-old, who now has the freedom to attain her full potential. “She will be more confident because she no longer has problems with her arms,” said her teacher. “We can support her to reach her goal. She can also do her best to reach her goal because she doesn’t have any obstacles now.”

Hope and healing for children like Annica is only possible because of the compassion of
people like you. Would you consider supporting Mercy Ships today?