“The state of my legs makes me feel so uncomfortable around my peers, especially at school. All they do is laugh and make fun of me. I feel so much pain in my heart, and I cry a lot about it,” said 12-year-old Michelle with her head hung low.
At the age of 10, Michelle began developing bowed legs, a condition where her legs bend outward below her knees, even when her ankles are together. “When I was nine, I started feeling pain in my legs, but I didn’t tell my parents because I thought the pain would go away on its own,’ said Michelle. “When my parents noticed that my legs were bending, I knew there was something really wrong.”
Michelle’s bowing legs began to limit her ability to walk as she had before. They made walking long distances painful and difficult, which led to constant bullying from her classmates during her walks to and from school.
Her parents turned to traditional medicine and witch doctors to see if they could help her. She drank medicinal herbs and received massages with warm water mixed with roots, but nothing worked. Many children who suffer from bowed legs and the pain that comes with it are heavily stigmatised, causing them to shy away from social experiences at an early age – and Michelle’s case was no different. Because of the constant bullying, Michelle withdrew and became a sad child who carried anger in her heart. She started avoiding going to school and would cry if her family tried to force her.
Finding Hope at CURE Zambia
Afraid of what the future might hold, Elizabeth, Michelle’s elder sister, took it upon herself to find a lasting solution that would positively change her sister’s life. “I found out about Beit CURE through the billboard advertisement right at the front gate while I was passing by. From the pictures, I knew CURE would be able to help my sister get the help she needs. I want her to feel free around her friends again,” Elizabeth said when she brought her sister for her first surgery.
When Michelle first arrived at Beit CURE Children’s Hospital, she was determined to find healing for her bowed legs. But her path was not without challenges. Her surgery had to be postponed several times due to high blood pressure and her weight, leaving her feeling discouraged and afraid that she might never get surgery.
Beit CURE Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Chisomo Shawa ordered that she be seen by Beit CURE Nutritionist Constance Lubinda, who provided a strict diet and prescribed exercises to help Michelle lose some weight, and control her blood pressure, allowing her to finally undergo corrective surgery. After months of following the nutritionist’s prescription, Michelle was given the green light!
With courage in her heart and her sister by her side, Michelle underwent her first surgery to straighten her right leg. The procedure was successful, and as Michelle recovered, she expressed gratitude for the care and encouragement she received from Dr Shawa and the medical team.
After her recovery, Michelle continued to heal from home and months later returned to the hospital for her second surgery. Though the process was painful at times, she remained strong, knowing that each step brought her closer to complete healing. After both legs healed, she began physical therapy sessions, which helped her walk more confidently with her newly straight legs.
A New Chapter
13-year-old Michelle is now a lively seventh grader whose laughter fills the air. After her surgeries, she can finally walk long distances, run, and play on two straight legs without feeling pain or being bullied.
“I feel so good now. I don’t get angry anymore, and my legs don’t hurt like they used to. At school, I’ve even forgiven the people who used to laugh at me; we’re friends now,” Michelle shares. “In my community, those who once mocked me and thought I was pretending can’t believe how well I walk today.”
Michelle’s father, Paul, couldn’t hide his appreciation and excitement as he reflected on his daughter’s transformation. “As a parent, I’m filled with joy and gratitude. I want to thank the donors who made my daughter’s surgery possible and the amazing team at Beit CURE who cared for her so well. It truly felt like God answered our prayers. I was overjoyed to see my child walk with straight legs, return to school, and smile again. Her confidence is everything we hoped for, and I pray that other children can experience the same love and care she received,” said Paul.
Through the compassionate care of the Beit CURE team, the unwavering support from CURE Donors and partners, and the continuous prayers of her family, Michelle is now living proof that God’s timing is indeed perfect.
Click here to donate and help children just like Michelle receive the gift of healing. Join us in ending the wait for life-changing care and giving families the hope they desperately need. Support Beit CURE today and make a lasting difference.
About the Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Zambia
Established in 2006, CURE Zambia performs over 2,500 life-changing reconstructive, orthopedic, ENT, and audiological surgeries each year for children suffering from treatable disabilities. Strategically located in Lusaka, the teaching hospital comprises six buildings, 54 beds, and three operating theatres. In addition to world-class clinical service, CURE Zambia ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their communities. The Beit Trust, a UK-based charity, provided the funding for this facility as a centennial gift to the people of Zambia. CURE Zambia is a strategic partner with the Ministry of Health.
