Teen Burn Survivor Walks into New Life After Free Surgery from Mercy Ships
After 13 painful years of walking barefoot, 14-year-old Tera from Manakara, Madagascar, can finally wear shoes and play soccer, thanks to a life-changing surgery provided free of charge by international charity Mercy Ships.
Tera’s ordeal began when he was just one year old and accidentally tipped over a pot of boiling water while crawling in his home. The severe burns fused his foot to his ankle, leaving him unable to wear shoes or walk properly. With no access to hospital care, his family turned to traditional remedies, but the scarring left him disabled.
His condition excluded him from many joys of childhood, including playing soccer with friends. “I like playing soccer, but they don’t really like me… I left crying and feeling very sad,” Tera shared.
Everything changed when volunteers from Mercy Ships visited his village. His mother, determined to help him, carried her children on a two-day journey to reach the Africa Mercy®, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship. There, South African reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Tertius Venter led a two-hour surgery to release the burn contracture and restore Tera’s mobility.
“He should have a normal functioning ankle now,” said Dr. Venter. “He’ll be able to wear normal shoes and play sport, especially soccer.”
Today, Tera runs, plays, and smiles freely, wearing his favorite goalkeeper jersey and joining his peers on the soccer field. “Since being back from Mercy Ships, I have been able to wear shoes,” he said cheerfully. “I am happy because my friends do not make fun of me anymore.”
Tera’s father now looks forward to teaching him to fish, proud of how quickly he is learning. Thanks to Mercy Ships’ free surgical care, Tera’s future has taken a hopeful and dignified turn.
