By Dr. Aiah Lebbie | Pediatric Surgeon
I occassionally get the chance to travel to rural and remote villages of my country Sierra Leone to provide treatment to children who for many reasons are unable to access healthcare or travel to health clinics. It is during one of my recent trips that I got to meet 3 year old Grace.
Finding Grace is what I term a divine appointment. Appearing severely malnourished, weak and dejected, this beautiful little girl seemed to bear the weight of the world on her frail shoulders. It appeared she had a condition noone in her family understood or had a name for. Consequently they had regarded it as a curse, convinced that her condition was untreatable.
I was heartbroken, as I often am when I come across cases like Grace's. Like her, many children have suffered in the hands of traditional healers who do more harm than good and pass on harmful labels. I later discovered that Grace had anorectal malformation and her anal passage was completely blocked.
To her family I had some good news to deliver. That Grace's condition was not unusual and it could be corrected through surgery. It took some convincing, but thankfully we all agreed that Grace needed a treatment plan quickly. First was to get her on an intensive nutrition program to get her strong enough for surgery. This would be done for about two weeks after which surgery could be performed. In this photo here, I was initiating a bond with Grace before taking her to treatment, letting her know that she was 'seen' and loved.
Giving hope to children like Grace, and knowing that her pain will soon be a thing of the past keeps me motivated. And it is because of your unwavering committment to support my work here through BethanyKids that I have been able to perform over 200 surgeries and treat nearly 800 outpatients this year alone despite the pandemic.
I now ask you: Would you join me in helping Grace and many like her access the treatment needed to live a normal, happy and healthy life? Every support you extend through BethanyKids counts. It is always a joy for me to continue updating you on the progress we are making together on behalf of the children here in Sierra Leone. Thank you!
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By Dr. Aiah Lebbie | Pediatric Surgeon
By Dr. Aiah Lebbie | BethanyKids Pediatric Surgeon, Sierra Leone
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