Fudia – before and after surgery to straighten legs –Mercy Ships via SWNS

A bow-legged African girl was given life-changing surgery to straighten her legs, ending her pain and letting her stand tall—a full five-and-a-half inches (14cm) taller.

Fudia was born with a progressive orthopedic condition that worsened over time and caused her feet to turn inwards at a 90-degree angle, making it extremely difficult and painful to walk.

Local hospitals in Sierra Leone were never able to help her, but her uncle Joseph realized there was still hope—in the form of Mercy Ships, an international hospital charity that travels the world.

As her guardian, he moved with Fudia to Freetown, so they could apply for help the next time Mercy Ships docked there. After waiting six years until it returned in 2023, the 9-year-old was taken aboard and diagnosed with Blount’s disease, which causes severe leg deformities.

British volunteer surgeon Rachel Buckingham performed a four-hour procedure on Fudia in January that fully straightened her legs and left her able to walk with confidence.

“We noticed it on the very first day she was born; her legs were not normal,” said Joseph.

“She got rejected in school by her friends and colleagues. Even after changing schools because of that, she was still suffering mockery from people.

“When she was selected for surgery, I was very happy, and when I heard that her surgery was successful, I was overjoyed for all that has happened for Fudia.”

Her recovery was both challenging and emotional, with unexpected delays and additional wound care needed, but she stayed strong and is now back on her feet—a fair bit taller—and much happier, thanks to the free surgery from Mercy Ships (support the charity here with donations or by volunteering).

“I will never forget the first time I met Fudia,” said Dr. Buckingham. “Every step was an agonizing effort. Her legs were so severely twisted that walking was a daily battle.”

Physical Therapist Declan Osborne working with bow-legged girl – Mercy Ships via SWNS

“As a volunteer children’s orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Ships, I’ve met many children who need urgent surgery, but something about Fudia’s quiet courage struck me deeply.

MORE MERCY SHIP MIRACLES: Boy Who Got Free Life-Changing Leg Surgery Returns to Same Hospital Ship a Decade on–Wanting to Be a Doctor

“Despite the suffering she’s endured—like being turned away from hospitals that couldn’t help her—she held on to hope.

“I’m so thankful we were able to provide the right surgery, and she can now walk, run and play happily.”

Fudia’s aunt and caregiver, Massa, said the little girl now loves playing with her friends and going to school.

Even more inspiring, Fudia now wants to be a doctor when she grows up—so she can help others, just like the Mercy Ships team helped her.

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“She was ashamed to go to school,” reported Massa. “But now, no more shame.”

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