Blessing was just eight months old when her life took a tragic turn. One day, while playing near a fire, she accidentally touched hot coals and was severely burned. The pain was unbearable. And in the aftermath, she lost parts of her fingers, and her little hand became swollen and discolored.
Her family, unable to afford proper medical care, did their best to treat her at home, but the burns were too severe. This left her with contractures on her right hand, causing it to become permanently closed in a fist.
It was a devastating sight for her mother, Sharai. She watched her once happy and playful baby struggle with the pain and limitations of her injured hand.
“It was heartbreaking to see my daughter struggle,” says Blessing’s mother, Sharai. “She was such a happy baby, but the burn changed everything.”
Despite the challenges, Blessing adapted, learning to perform most tasks with her left hand. However, the constant teasing from other children about her unusable hand took a toll on her self-esteem. In her community and at school, Blessing faced cruel taunts and exclusion, leaving her feeling isolated and ashamed. The once vibrant and playful child retreated into a shell, her confidence shattered by the relentless bullying.
Determination = Results
Determined to find help for Blessing, her mother, Sharai, heard about CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe (CURE Zimbabwe) and immediately took her for treatment. The team at CURE Zimbabwe was extremely welcoming and immediately committed to helping the young girl.
Once Blessing was admitted to the hospital, CURE Zimbabwe’s surgeons performed a complex operation to release the post-burn contractures in Blessing’s hand.
The surgery marked the beginning of her journey to recovery—and made Sharai hopeful about her daughter’s future. “I hope Blessing will be able to feed herself and even help me with chores. Also, she will no longer be ashamed of her hand and will be able to achieve anything she sets her mind to.”
A New Beginning
Blessing’s road to recovery was not free from challenges. Painful bandage changes and occupational therapy sessions were necessary steps in her healing process. She would often cry as she was having her wounds dressed. However, with each passing day, she grew stronger and more confident.
Today, Blessing is completely healed, and she is able to use her hand again to take care of herself and help with household chores. Her confidence and happiness also have been restored.
“She can now hold things on her own and even do her own laundry,” Sharai exclaimed with joy, expressing her gratitude for the care Blessing received at CURE Zimbabwe.
CURE Zimbabwe is committed to providing children like Blessing with the opportunity to live independent and fulfilling lives, and you can take part in making these kids’ lives better by donating here.
About the CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe
Established in April 2021, CURE Zimbabwe is the first and only hospital in the country of 14 million people to provide orthopedic care for disabilities such as clubfoot, bowed legs, and knock knees to children regardless of their economic status. The teaching hospital has 18 beds, three operating theaters, and an outpatient clinic. The hospital was refurbished by the Zimbabwe Orthopedic Trust in partnership with the Zimbabwean government and is located adjacent to United Bulawayo Hospital in Bulawayo.
