A 14-year-old girl from Sierra Leone is now able to pursue her aspiration of becoming a doctor after receiving treatment for a facial tumor through the international health organization Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.com).
Had the surgery not been performed in a timely manner, the tumor could have progressed to a stage where it would obstruct her airway, potentially leading to suffocation and death.
Dr. Didier-David Malis, a volunteer oral maxillofacial surgeon from Switzerland who operated on Lucy, described the tumor as aggressive, stating, “It could alter her appearance both functionally and aesthetically, affecting her interactions with others and causing difficulties in swallowing and speaking. The tumor has also displaced her eye.”
The issue began with severe pain in one of Lucy's teeth, which eventually fell out, yet the discomfort persisted.
“It started to swell. I tried using local herbs, but they were ineffective,” Lucy’s mother, Isatu, recounted.
The swelling progressed into a bone tumor on Lucy's right cheek, likely resulting from an infection. Although a visit to the hospital might have been beneficial, her family was unable to afford the necessary care.
“We never went to the hospital. We did not have the money to go,” shared Isatu.
The facial tumor was highly visible and impossible to ignore. The pain caused frequent absences from school, leading to discomfort among her classmates regarding her condition. Lucy became reserved and withdrawn..
Isatu said: “Lucy is bold, but when the other children started to laugh at her, she became very quiet.”
A 2022 study highlights a significant deficiency in oral healthcare services and dental education in Sierra Leone, revealing that the country has only one hospital with a fully operational dental clinic and around three full-time equivalent public sector dentists. Additionally, there are between four to seven dentists practicing in the private sector. Lucy's health deteriorated partly due to inadequate medical care and education.
Fortunately, the Sierra Leonean government is taking steps to enhance its surgical and dental care infrastructure by forming strategic alliances with organizations such as Mercy Ships, which emphasizes long-term education, training, and advocacy.
The arrival of the Global Mercy, the largest civilian hospital ship in the world, brought hope to Lucy's family, as it meant that free surgical care was now within reach.
Lucy underwent a five-hour complex surgery that proved successful. She remained on the Global Mercy in one of the hospital wards, where she focused on regaining her strength during her recovery.
The unwavering support of her mother and the dedication of the volunteer crew significantly contributed to Lucy's swift recovery. The nursing staff recognized her resilient spirit.
Jeri Harper, an American pediatric nurse volunteer, remarked, “She’s the first person that ever got me up dancing at work because when she wanted you to do something, you did it.”
“She's kind to other people. She became the center of everything that went on in that ward.”
Lucy, a patient who underwent a successful surgery aboard the hospital ship Global Mercy, received a warm welcome from a cheering crowd upon her return home. Her remarkable transformation left her uncle astounded, prompting him to exclaim, "Lucy! Is that truly you?"
Despite missing a significant amount of school, Lucy has demonstrated exceptional progress in catching up with her studies, as confirmed by her class teacher.
Lucy's confidence has been fully restored following the surgery. She candidly expressed her previous discomfort due to the facial deformity, which made her feel ashamed among her peers. However, she now feels a sense of well-being and gratitude after the successful procedure.
Lucy eagerly anticipates her return to school, driven by her aspiration to become a doctor. She holds a strong passion for science and is determined to pursue a career in medicine to assist individuals in times of illness.
With her health fully restored, Lucy is now poised to pursue her dreams and aspirations without any obstacles.
The Global Mercy, a hospital ship, successfully completed a 10-month mission in Sierra Leone, where it performed 1,979 life-changing and lifesaving surgeries for individuals suffering from various treatable conditions. The ship is scheduled to return this month.