Every child deserves the freedom to play, learn, and dream. Yet for many living with treatable disabilities, barriers stand in the way of these simple joys. Conditions like bowed legs, clubfoot, and chronic bone infections not only limit mobility but also disrupt a child’s education, social development, and sense of belonging.
For Fatuma, bowed legs, a condition where her knees curved outwards, leaving a gap between her knees and ankles when the feet are together, made everyday life a struggle. She fell behind in her education because she often could not attend school, as it was difficult to walk there. “When crossing streams, I would have to kneel to reach the other side, and my legs would hurt if I walked long distances,” Fatuma recalled.
On top of these physical challenges, Fatuma faced bullying from her peers. Children mocked her and called her names like “wamatewe” which “the child with bowed legs.”. Like many children with disabilities, the weight of this bullying left Fatuma feeling downtrodeen and isolated.
Hope for Healing
Fatuma’s mother shared the family’s long and difficult journey: “We had no idea about Beit-CURE. When Fatuma was 8 years old, we went to a district hospital where her leg was put in a cast. A year later, we went back, and they put another cast on. They told us to return again, but we couldn’t make it because we had no money for transport, and we were disappointed because we saw no improvement in her leg.”
But one day, hope arrived unexpectedly. “(Fatuma’s) father attended a wedding in a nearby village and met a parent whose child had gone to Beit-CURE and had recovered. Their child used to be laughed at, just like Fatuma, but now he is fine and walking straight,” Fatuma’s mother remembers. “That gave us hope.”
Encouraged by that testimony, the family brought Fatuma to Beit-CURE. For the first time, she was surrounded by children who understood her struggles and staff who treated her with kindness. The warmth and love she received was a positive change from the rejection she had faced in her village. Despite her family’s Muslim faith, Fatuma felt welcomed in the Christian hospital setting. “It made us feel good to know that the people who worked here believed in God.”
Surgery and Transformation
Beit-CURE Malawi’s orthopedic team, led by Dr. Lubega, performed her surgery, beginning her path to healing. “The impact of these surgeries goes beyond just physical transformation; these children’s lives are also changed spiritually and emotionally,” Dr. Lubega explained.
Beyond the surgeries, Fatuma also enjoyed play therapy, music, crafts, and Bible stories that taught her of God’s love and her immeasurable worth. Her family also found community and support.
Recovery required courage, therapy, and patience, but with the support of her mother, Fatuma persevered. “After surgery, they put a metal frame on her leg, and we went home. I was scared to maintain it, but I knew God would help me,” her mother shared.
A Bright Future Ahead
With each step, Fatuma’s mobility improved and her newly straightened leg gained strength. For the first time, Fatuma knew what it felt like to walk without pain! “I felt really good after I was healed,” Fatuma remembers. “I was happy that I could now play with my friends and go to school!”
Today, Fatuma’s life is filled with possibilities. She helps her parents with chores, participates in farming, and most importantly, she has returned to school. She now walks with confidence. “I try my best to use the best roads going to school because I don’t want to do anything that could cause my legs to bend again” she said with determination. Her mother, beaming with joy, added “They used to call her names, now they call her Fatuma.”
Fatuma’s transformation is a prime example of the heart of Beit-CURE Malawi. The hospital continues to expand its reach, grow its services, and innovate its facilities with the goal of conducting over 2500 surgeries annually.
To learn more Beit-CURE and read more stories of transformation visit malawi.cure.org
