On June 17, 2023, 5 patients, 2 doctors and JDC staff flew to South India. We have partnered with Prof. Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan and Ganga Hospital, to get complex spine surgery for our patients, and skilled surgical training for our doctors.
They were met by Dr. Eskinder Kebede, a JDC Ethiopian orthopedic surgeon in 1-year spine fellowship program in Ganga Hospital, the same hospital where we are sending patients. Today, Professor Rajasekaran, Dr. Eskinder and the Ganga team will start operating on our patients.
Please meet our patients:
Destaw is a 20 year old who grew up in an orphanage in Bahar Dar.
Destaw came to us when we were in Bahia Dar screening patients and was selected for surgery. He has a severe mid-thoracic scoliosis. After surgery he aims to return to school and become a doctor.
Tesfanesh is a determined 23-year-old female, an 8th grade student striving to overcome her challenges. She lives with her two brothers, she faces each day with resilience and an unwavering spirit. She has severe congenital kyphosis.
Despite her circumstances, Tesfanesh yearns to return to school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
Tesfanesh experiences moments of jealousy when she compares herself to her classmates. Seeing them progress academically while she is temporarily sidelined due to her spine condition stirs a mix of emotions within her. However, she channels these feelings into motivation, knowing that her journey towards recovery will enable her to fulfill her goals of helping others and making a difference.
Tofik is a 21-year-old from, Gurage Zone. A grade 11 student, he consistently earns top rankings, becoming an inspiration for his classmates and village community. However, Tofik's joy is often overshadowed by the discomfort caused by severe TB spine deformity, and the taunts from his peers. Nevertheless, he finds peace in his belief that his condition is a part of Allah's divine plan.
The eldest among 6 siblings, Tofik shoulders great responsibility within his family. His parents rely on farming for their livelihood, and Tofik dreams of alleviating their burdens through his education and determination.
A stroke of luck came his way when he encountered Dr. Rick during one of our outreach programs. Tofik felt incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with someone who could potentially transform his life.
He is deeply passionate about the beauty of green landscapes and agriculture. After his surgery, Tofik envisions a future in which he can acquire knowledge in agriculture to contribute to his family's welfare.
Tibebesilassie is talented 17-year-old, 11th grade student. His dad died when he was in second grade, leaving his mother to support and guide their family. He and his four sibs were supported by his single mom. She stood for hours and endured severe back pain, making Ethiopian “enjera,” the spongy staple bread.
Driven by his passion for coding, Tibebesilassie aspires to become a software engineer. His love for programming has allowed him to showcase his creativity and problem-solving skills. Tibebesilassie's heart fills with love and a desire to help her. He dreams of designing a machine that can alleviate her pain, by automating the process of making "enjera."
He has already demonstrated his capabilities by creating a matrix calculator and a scheduling system for his school clubs. Tibebesilassie's drive to apply his skills to improve the lives of his family is truly inspiring. We will look for a laptop for him.
Tibebeselassie has a moderate TB kyphosis, and needs a VCR – removal of vertebrae. He also has a rare blood type.
Samuel is a 19 year old who was raised in a Catholic orphanage in Addis Ababa. Raised at the Missionary of Charity orphanage, he grew up without any knowledge of his biological family.
He was taunted at school due to his scoliosis, and called “gobata,” hunchback. Samuel turns to his Catholic faith for strength. He questions why he has been burdened with these challenges, pleading with God for answers.
Recalling the words of his favourite quote by Mother Teresa, he finds comfort and a sense of purpose: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less, because of that missing drop."
Samuel remains an avid reader and enjoys watching religious movies. Currently he is a 12th grade student. He strives to overcome his past and build a better future.
Following his surgery, he intends to fully dedicate himself to his education and pursue his dream of becoming an architect or an artist. Additionally, he is determined to publish a fiction book he has been writing, to share his creative vision with the world.
