“I thought his condition would end on its own,” said Bhaudhi, Joseph’s father.
Joseph is 12 years old and was born with bowed legs. This condition causes his knees to curve outward, creating a visible gap between them. His father hoped the problem would fix itself over time. “At first, I thought it would go away as he grew, but instead, it worsened,” Bhaudhi explained. “Even when I took him to the local hospital, they said it would resolve itself. So, we stopped going, but the pain and challenges continued.”
As Joseph got older, the pain became harder to ignore. Sitting for a long time or walking long distances would hurt. “It really hurts when I try to get up after sitting too long,” he said. “I also love football, but playing makes my legs ache, so I end up watching from the sidelines. It’s frustrating to miss out on something I love.”
For a boy who loved football, having to watch from the sidelines was heartbreaking.
Just as hope seemed to be fading, a conversation at work changed everything. A colleague told Bhaudhi about CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe.
“I was amazed when my friend shared the incredible things happening at CURE Zimbabwe,” Bhaudhi said. “I could hardly believe that surgeries could be fully sponsored—it felt like an answer to our prayers. As a teacher, I could never afford the cost of these procedures on my salary.”
Without hesitation, Bhaudhi scheduled the earliest available appointment. Generous donor support made Joseph’s life-changing surgery possible, allowing him to be admitted to CURE Zimbabwe on 15 October 2024. Following his surgery on 25 October, Joseph spent time recovering on the ward, which he described as spiritually transformative.
“My time at CURE made me draw closer to God,” he said. “I learnt so much from the pastors during the services we attended.”
After months of careful monitoring and follow-up care, Joseph was fully discharged on 7 August 2025. Today, he is back on the football pitch.
“I can now run longer distances without feeling any pain, and I can play football very well,” Joseph said, recalling how his joints used to ache before the surgery. “I would really like to thank the donors. They did an amazing job helping me get healed. My legs are now straight, and I really thank God.”
His gratitude extends beyond his physical healing; he also carries the spiritual lessons he learned at CURE back to his community. Joseph shared that his time at the hospital taught him the importance of gathering with other believers, no matter what someone is going through.
“I am now confident that I have Jesus in me,” he smiled. “Christ literally took me and placed me in his hands.”
Joseph’s story shows how much timely medical care, caring support, and generous sponsorship can do. Because people stepped in to help, he is no longer on the sidelines. Now, he’s back on the soccer field, running without pain and filled with hope.
Consider helping more kids by donating to CURE Zimbabwe. Your donation can help children like Joseph receive the critical treatment they have been waiting for and bring hope to families in need. Partner with CURE Zimbabwe today and help transform lives through the gift of healing.
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.
