We change lives

Ruth was 10 years old when she suffered a flame burn across her lower abdomen, groin, and thighs. Her thighs grew together, making it impossible for Ruth to walk normally. She came to our unit 4 years after the injury, where she had scar tissue removed and received skin grafts. The surgery was successful, and now she can walk normally again!

 

Mrishu is from Tanzania. He was playing football barefoot when he accidentally ran into some burning trash. The injury caused all his toes to bend backward, pointing straight up. As a result, he struggled with balance and was unable to wear shoes. He was also bullied, which led him to withdraw from both friends and school.
Seven years later, he came to our unit at MCM. Now he’s running around again—wearing shoes!

 

Ethenesh was in the kitchen when she suffered a severe burn caused by kerosene. She spent 9 months in a local hospital without receiving the necessary care. The wounds healed with scar tissue that attached her left arm to her torso. Scar tissue in her groin also prevented her from extending her hip joint. Ethenesh stayed at our unit for a long time and underwent several surgeries. Now she can move her arm and hip normally.

 

Rahama was playing around the cooking fire inside her hut when her dress caught fire. The injuries she sustained required a three-month hospital stay and several surgeries before she was finally discharged.

 

Selamawit fled from her stepmother after her mother’s death, in search of work in the capital. Her clothes caught fire due to kerosene. She was left at the gate of St. Mother Teresa, a home for the sick and dying.
Nine months after the injury, some Norwegian nursing students noticed her lying in a bed, frail and neglected. They arranged for her to be transferred to our unit, where she received the treatment she needed.

 

A kerosene lamp fell on Abdisa when he was 4 years old, setting his clothes on fire. He suffered severe burns to his face, chest, abdomen, and groin.
Abdisa is among the few who received help relatively soon after the injury occurred. Most do not get assistance until months or even years later.