ANNICA, a nine-year-old girl from Madagascar, is finally free to play, write, and dream again after life-changing surgery restored the movement in her arms. At the age of two, she suffered second-degree burns after falling into a large cooking pot at her aunt’s food stall in Amparafaravola District.
‘The lid slid and she fell in. I cried every morning when I looked at her,’ said her mother, Felicia.
The accident left her arms fused to her torso. Initial medical care was cut short, and complications from traditional treatments worsened her injuries. By age three, she had healed—but at a cost. Contractures had set in, and Annica could no longer lift her arms.
Daily struggles and growing despair
As she grew older, tasks like getting dressed, fetching water, or brushing her hair became impossible without help. At school, her limited mobility affected her confidence and performance.
‘She was a bit reserved,’ said her teacher, Charles. ‘It created an inferiority complex. She didn’t have the courage to do anything.’
With five other children to care for, her parents considered taking out loans for surgery they couldn’t afford. Then they heard Mercy Ships, was returning to Madagascar.
Mercy Ships steps in
The international charity Mercy Ships provides free surgical care aboard hospital vessels docked in African ports. When the Africa Mercy® arrived in 2024, Annica’s family seized the opportunity.
Volunteer surgeons performed a complex reconstructive procedure to release the burn contractures. ‘We had to use skin from other parts of her body,’ explained South African surgeon Dr Venter. ‘Now she can move freely without being pulled back into deformity.’
Rehabilitation and renewed independence
Annica spent six weeks recovering on the ship, wearing splints and pressure garments. American physical therapist Kaylee Earll guided her through daily rehab.
‘She didn’t want help from anyone. When you’ve been stuck for years and suddenly you can move, you feel free,’ said Kaylee.
While on board, Annica received joyful news—she passed her school exams and could move on to her final year of primary school.
A new life begins
At home, her family celebrated her recovery. ‘She combs her hair. She can play basketball now,’ her grandmother beamed.
Her father was in awe: ‘I never thought she’d be able to do those things. It’s like she was never burned.’
Annica, now dreaming of becoming a teacher, is excited for what’s ahead. ‘I want to write on the top of the board and clean the top of the board,’ she said proudly.
Her teacher believes her future is bright: ‘She no longer has problems with her arms. Now, she can reach her goals.’
