A teenage girl with burn contractures on her wrist, elbow, and knee from an untreated accident as a baby arrived at the clinic with her sister, both burdened by exhaustion and hesitant to trust. They were worried about the physical and economic risks of surgery, as recovery would demand time off from the domestic work that pays rent and puts food on the table. Yet, as they spent time with us, their guardedness softened, and cautious hope turned into joy. Recognizing their financial strain, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth gathered funds equal to a month’s salary to support her during recovery. This thoughtful assistance gave her the freedom to heal without financial worry. For the sisters, it was not just relief but a new sense of possibility for the future.
This surgical trip marked the hospital’s first collaboration with a foreign team of volunteers providing free medical care. Local staff felt empowered to create positive change by treating patients who otherwise could not afford care.
One nurse, pictured to the right, brought in a child from his community who faced numerous barriers to treatment, grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. Other staff members also recruited patients through their personal networks, connecting those in need with our services and showcasing the power of collaboration to uplift the community and create lasting impact.
A father and his young son, born with a cleft lip, arrived at the clinic with a heart weighted by the difficult life he presumed for his child. For this reason, the father viewed the surgery as more than just medical—it was the key to unlocking a happy, fulfilling future for his son.
Above is a recording of the father thanking our team after the operation, joyfully proclaiming that, thanks to the surgery, his son has a “very nice looking future”. Overwhelmed with emotion, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude in simple terms, leaving everyone around him with tears in their eyes. This moment was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact these surgeries can have.