My name is Yordanos, I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in Addisu Gebeya in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I live with my parents and elder brother in a small mud house. My father is a Guard at EthioTelecom and my mother is a housewife.

My parents found out about my spinal deformity when I was a child and took me to Black Lion Hospital. After years of follow up, they told me that they could not do anything. Which made me and my parents hopeless. I was so shy to go to school as everyone would call me ‘Gobata’ - hunchback. I had no friends and was always lonely. 

One day while walking on the streets, a stranger showed up and told me about Dr Rick Hodes - a spine doctor helping patients like me. 

I rushed my parents and went to see him the next day at Mother Theresa Mission where he sees patients like me. He welcomed me with such care and gave me a great hope. I officially became his patient and started my follow up. 

On April 2012, I flew to FOCOS Hospital in Accra, Ghana with 11 other patients like me. I had a successful surgery and came back to Ethiopia with new personality - straight, hopeful, and confident. 

I’m now a 2nd year Nursing student at Alkan Health Science College in Addis Ababa. 

I’d like to pass my deepest gratitude to Dr Rick, his wonderful team and the generous donor who made my surgery possible. If it wasn’t for you all, I’d not have been me now. You made me become a normal person just like my age mates. Thank you very much again! 

Yordanos